With 8 days left...

Till Christmas what does one do?

Make some Christmas treats, and make sure the "quality control" system is in place to taste test...Thank you Mark.

Read the multitude of Christmas cards received by friends and family and give thanks.

Watch 'White Christmas' and think of your Grampie because that is what I always do when I watch that movie.

Listen to Christmas music and dance around the kitchen because that just feels right.

Talk to parents that will be arriving in 7 short days. Eek!

Love

Weekend during the week day

Some of my days off aren't really productive and then there are others...

One day I get to witness a wonderful retirement tribute to my father in law down at city hall. 

Everyone making speeches of what a great worker he is, his devotion to public service and his positivity in the work place. 

Although I don't know how he is at work I would say he is like that at home. 

Always working hard, full of laughs, and making time for every member in his family. 

Then I got to go to my old job. 

See a performance of the nutcracker for their annual Christmas concert. 

Visit with some of my old clients

And talk with the nutcracker and Rat King themselves. 

Although I must say the Rat King spent most of his time asking for Mark, and kicking me. 

Merry Christmas in his own way.

Two days off well spent. 

Love

I love the smell of Christmas

Especially the smell of pine. 

And lucky me. 

Our house is infused with it. 

Love

Bicycle

The only sad thing about getting a bicycle in the winter is that it can't go outside. 

But the happy thing is it becomes a decoration in the living room. 

It becomes a peice of furniture. 

It is admired. 

And it is occasionally ridden in the house. 

Shhhh

Don't tell. 

Love

The fantastic, the bad and the ugly.

Let's get honest and real in this post. I had a bit of a trying week. And of all things it was a week off so what oh what is my problem. Honestly!

Well let's start off with the bad. 

I decided through some encouragement to throw a birthday party for myself. 

Bought all the food, prepared and laid it out, cleaned the house and because of the Christmas Twinkie in me decorated the house. 

Fourteen people were suppose to attend at eight pm. 

Then the calls came. And people started to cancel. 

And you know what? Everyone had a reasonable reason that they couldn't come. Sick children, just having a child and working late and then working early. 

no one could really blame them for not attending. 

But I may have had a silent pity party. Or was it silent? Ask Mark. 

Eight came. And then eight fifteen, eight thirty. 

I sat glumly on the couch and said to a very tired Mark who had a very long day, "I don't think anyone is coming". Tears may have rimmed my eyes. 

Mark grabbed his phone frantically texted my friends and figuring out their status. 

Eight forty, four of my wonderful friends came. Anita, Fraser, Ellen, and Jeff. 

They smiled and hugged me and sat around our kitchen table. 

Eating all the prepared food. 

Talking, debating, laughing, joking. 

And staying up till 1:30 am! 

Great company overall and so thrilled that four great people were able to come!

Then the ugly came. 

Mark called me at home two days prior to my actual birthday. 

He had to work a Christmas concert. 

I thought he may have been joking. 

He wasn't. 

Then he started to make plans of what to do. Rescheduling my day, inviting others to come, etc. 

I didn't want anything. 

He insisted. 

I got mad. 

Then he got mad. 

We were both mad. 

Lol. Sigh. A little known fact about me. I hate surprises. Ask my mom. I hate plans made re. me behind my back. I am just a plain old brat about it. Simple as that. Again ask my mom. 

After a breather there was resolution. 

And Mark may have been right (cough cough) that one shouldn't spend their birthday alone (Wow I can be stubborn and a tad dramatic. He he). 

Finally the fantastic. Because one should forget the bad and the ugly and concentrate on the full greatness, happiness, and the positive aspects of life. 

Seriously 

Mark had planned and made a birthday "lupper" for my family and I on Sunday. 

Wendy, David, Jimi and Cassie came by. 

We had gourmet French toast, bacon, orange juice, fruit and birthday cake and cinnamon buns for dessert. 

We chatted in the sitting room. 

I opened presents. 

It was lovely. 

I caught a movie, my choice on Saturday. 

Had movie popcorn and went to the fancy theatre. 

Fancy cupcakes with an I love you message another day. 

Got to spend a wonderful day with a little two year old at the world water park. 

Swimming. 

Then I got to laugh at her two year old self as she tormented my poor cat. 

Ran around the house rearranging all our things. 

And creating mischief climbing out of her crib, not napping, and watering the floor instead of the plants. 

Then lucky me. On my birthday got to spend the morning with the two year old's mom, Jeaninne and her week and a half year old sister. 

So sweet. 

Hot chocolate, doughnuts, baby cuddles, laughing at some funny memories and making new ones. 

It didn't end. 

Text messages, deliveries, emails, facebook messages, video messages and calls times three from my lovely parents. 

And Anita came. 

Took me out to a very awesome restaurant called rge road. 

And I continued to laugh, chat, and just hang out with one fantastic gal. 

Then my poor Mark, who worked a very long day waited up for us to come home. 

And presented me with a fabulous present. 

A bike that I have been wanting so badly but kept convincing myself that I don't need it. 

I know I am a spoiled brat. And I am supremely lucky to have a person in my life that puts up with my crap every now and then. And reassures me that things are okay. Concentrate on the positive and not to give up. Who likes my nuttiness and my birthday week even if he pretends not too. 

And to friends and family that laugh at my dramatic tales causing me to laugh about it and to give me a bit of perspective (but are smart enough to wait to tell me this, after I have calmed down). 

I am very lucky, grateful and yes I had a fantastic birthday (week). 

Love

Guess...

Who learned how to use a power drill. Muhahaha. Mark may wish he never let me in on the secret. The student may surpass the teacher. 

And the projects commence. 

Happy

The Christmas lights are up. 

And they look beautiful. 

And as Mark promised, he did it. 

No problems. 

Construing a device of a broom and hockey stick to get them on the branches. 

And I love them. 

And Mark being on a roll of awesomeness. 

Brought all the staff on my unit cupcakes and cookies. 

Because we were working on the night of the Christmas party. 

And proving to many others his awesomeness. 

Something that I know plenty about. 

Great times continue on. 

Love

This is what I know

I love Christmas, as most people know. 

I feel it's officially time to celebrate as even hotels are doing it. 

Outdoor lights are an essential thing to have. 

Especially when there is an epic amount of snow outside. 

I also know that I don't think it is in my capabilities to decorate the trees outside. 

As it was an epic fail the first time I tried. 

The lights froze and got stiff. 

They tangled up and started to unplug as I flailed them onto a tree. 

And because I wasn't tall enough I used a rake to move them up. 

But that resulted in branches breaking. 

Thus resulting in the first Christmas activity that I have not enjoyed. 

Let's just say there were tears and lights strewn on our living room floor. 

But a husband was there to assure that he will attempt on his own. 

A Christmas present for me. 

In this moment...

I am content. 

It is Christmas in November. 

The tree is decorated. 

The piano player is playing Christmas carols. 

I just had a holiday drink. 

Before I was in a hot pool, sauna, and steam room. 

I ordered room service and ate in bed. 

I read a book. 

I took a walk around the mountains. 

And I am with someone I love. 

Total brag post I know. But I truly am content and I must remember these moments too. 

Mr J.

There are days where I encounter ordinary people that I find extraordinary. 

One of these was Mr. J. I met Mr. J awhile ago. He was a older gentlemen with a tremor in his hands. On my first day with him, he laid in his bed as I took his vitals. I asked my questions and he replied in a shaky/slurred voice. I looked at him puzzled as I couldn't understand what he said. I asked again. And he replied again. 

Still unable to understand, I felt embarassed as I didn't want to intentionally make someone feel bad. Just as I was about to say that I wasn't making out his words I heard him clear as day, "Sorry, I don't speak very well." It just clicked. If I listened hard enough I could hear him. 

Immediately I dismissed the apology and redirected the focus. "We are going to figure things out together, if you can be patient with me". Agreement was made and ahead we went. 

I had him for a long stretch of shifts. I figured out his needs and realized although there were many things that he needed help with, it didn't feel like it. He required assistance feeding, transferring, going to the bathroom. But he was so eager to practice his independence that it felt like less. I was in awe of how empowered he was. 

I never had to be that person to hound him to do things. He would practice his exercises in his free time, doing his leg movements at the edge of his bed. He would do his hand stretches and feed himself to the best of his ability. On the contrary sometimes I had to set restrictions when I felt he was pushing it too far and his safety may be at risk, like a fall out of bed, or out of a chair. 

He may have looked really sick to many. But his enthusiasm and optimism made you feel that he was a-okay.  I told him one evening that I found his attitude infectious and so positive. He said "there are worse things that could have happened to him. And worse things happening to others. He is fine and happy to be alive." 

Moments like that make me grateful for the opportunity I have. People who put a smile on my face and put me in my place when I have those self loathing days. So thank you Mr. J. I am still thinking of you with enjoyment. Hope you are doing well!

I love a good weekend

Especially when it is spent with good friends. 

And when you get to see good music on top of it. 

Like the Dixie Chicks. 

Who were fantastic. Even if I was hoping for some sass. 

But seriously. Love the voice and the music

And then the fun weekend continues. 

With a birthday celebration for a special lady. 

Shopping, catching up and laughs were involved. 

Plus eating out and chatting some more. 

Then I return home to the falling (first) snowfall of the year. 

To watch rental movies with my husband. 

And to cosy up on the couch today and continue watching movies. 

Eat leftovers and have pie. 

Life is good. 

And needs to be savored. 

It's been a long week...

And it does keep going for a bit more.

I have been working quite a bit 

but have managed to have some nights and days off. 

Of them I have laughed. 

And laughed hard. 

Like when my significant other texted a friend. 

And started smack talking in a joking way. 

To find out that it was the wrong number,

Through a FaceTime chat. 

And of others I have cried. 

Wallowing a bit in self pity. 

But having my significant other listen to me. 

Hug me. 

And then attempt (and sort of) succeed 

in snapping me out. 

And then I have felt content. 

Having heart to heart talks with friends. 

Soaking in laughter and fun at a party. 

Enjoying dinner and brunch with family. 

Spending time alone watching movies,

Snuggled amongst blankets. 

I have a pretty grand life. And pretty grand people in it. 

I am lucky. And we are going to have a lot of fun!

Love

When life gives you pie....

When your day is long and really kind of sucks, buy yourself a huge pumpkin pie from Costco and eat every delicious ounce of troubles away. That's right. Every bit. And not once will you think it's bad for you!

Basketball fun

My cousin Kathryn was in town. So exciting to see her as it has been a couple of years. So what did that entail? A family dinner of course. Jimi and Cassie came by for a simple dinner with Egg Nog (Mark may have bulked up after thanksgiving. He he). And salmon, rice asparagus and caprese salad. Yum.

Then we heading to the u of a pandas basketball game against the varsity reds of unb. Coincidentally one of Kathryn's friends was here this weekend too, assistant coaching unb. Exciting.

So me and basketball never really mixed. Mainly cause the team sport thing I was never great at, lack of coordination and all. But going with this crew was quite fun:

- Mark intensely watching the game, chewing gum. Asking him what kind of coach he is and he said deadpanned,"I am the one yelling all the time, whether they are listening or not" (like the unb coach). This put Jimi and me in a fit of laughter. 

- Cassie making little mistake re. the game stating period, goal much to Jimi's dismay. I could totally relate Cassie. 

- Jimi making comments like, "this is intense, I want to get in there," and "get it in the hole!" As we cheered for unb really loud creating the fans for u of a to cheer louder. Too funny. 

- making word of the day, "buxom"

- having blizzards, yum 

- being with family and laughing about your family. 

 

Wonderful visit

Love

Thanksgiving

I am one lucky lady. Yes I did work all weekend and yes it was evening and yes I realize others had thanksgiving dinner while I was working. But guess what? I still got a celebration. 

On Saturday morning we went over to Wendy and David's for a thanksgiving lunch with Lawrence. I got to watch how to bacon aficionados cook bacon in two very different ways. Be warned to stay away from the kitchen as tongs may be used as weapons. I enjoyed gluten free waffles that tasted fabulous. And I got to have pumpkin pie for dessert. And I love pumpkin pie!

I then attempted to make another pie this weekend, a pumpkin on as I have said before I love it! But on thanksgiving Monday after I finished work I realized I forgot to buy some key ingredients. So off to the store again. Ahh. And pie made.  Even if I forgot again to double the recipe and the pumpkin filling was a little thin. He he. 

Then my long lost brother came for dinner tonight. We facetimed my parents and shared laughs and stories. We vegged on the couch like you would after a big meal (of chicken and potatoes). We joked and watched tv. 

Grateful

Love

Where have I been?

New York. Yes I think it is official. I have a slight obsession with that city. I love it. Everything about it. I don't know if I ever want to live there, but visiting is fantastic...maybe yearly...or at least every two years?  He he he.

This time around I went with Anita. Anita was not the type of traveller I thought she would be. At least when it came to New York. She wasn't interested in seeing every sight you could. Instead she wanted to shop and see plays. A girl after my own heart. 

So that is what we did. Shop. We, visited my favourite toy store, FAO Schwartz, where Anita made her sister a muppet....so exciting. And I enjoyed all the big candy. Too bad my suitcase wasn't big enough. We then trekked to Dylan's candy store to ogle at all the other wonderful sweet treats. And I may have dragged Anita to the M&M store to bulk up on coconut, raspberry and mint M&M's. 

 After the sugar coma we treated ourselves to some fantastic plays. Book of Mormon, controversial yet amusing. Avenue Q the anti-Sesame Street with puppets and hilarious songs. And my personal fav. Newsies. My favourite musical as a preteen come to life on the stage with fantastic dancing, songs and sets. Loved it. I may have danced all night....and the morning....and the afternoon....AND on the plane.

It wasn't all plays and shopping. We did check out Central Park on a beautiful 24 degree day. Performers, comedians, boat rides and baseball games all around. I love that place. So quiet in the middle of a big city. Along the walk (as that is the only way we got around, minus one water taxi ride) was grand central station, Madison square park, the flat iron building, the Statue of Liberty, the freedom tower, ellis island, St Patricks cathedral, the intrepid, Brooklyn bridge, Rockefeller square, Times Square, Macy's, Empire State Building and my fav the top of the rock at night. 

We did eat too. Sushi at Tao, Maine lobster at db bistro, pasta galore along restaurant row, Thai, pizza, pretzels, hot dogs, and Indian. Plus red velvet cupcakes, coconut cake...Yum.

And a visit to Hoboken, New Jersey to visit Carlos Bakery from Cake Boss. Sidenote for fans of the show. You will probably enjoy this. And props to giving front of the line service to locals as they are your loyal customers. Personally it will only be a one time visit for me. The wait was excruciating and I think with the amount of money probably made by them (we were seeing orders of approx. 50-100 $ a customer), they could organize a bit better and employ a few more. But the cannolis were amazing! But I digress....

All and all a fantastic holiday. With a bit of apartment madness from our renter as the neighbour complained about him and we may have received a subpoena on his behalf. But the place was what it was suppose to be minus those little hitches. Ha ha. 

And Anita was a great traveller. For a girl that has her camera always ready it was refreshing to watch Anita just take things in. She would pull out the camera every once in awhile but really liked to just look around and watch. Take in the memories. It was nice. And she was sympathetic to my struggles as I was having a bit of GI and cold issues the day before and a couple of days in (Sidenote I seem to always get sick a couple of days prior to leaving New York. All three times. Weird). Good times with a good girlfriend.

Overall I am grateful. 

My husband's project

While I spent my summer in the garage sanding, sanding and sanding some more, Mark spent his summer outside in the hot sweltering sun constructing his garden. As you could see it was a diamond in the rough. Myself having no vision whatsoever really had no opinions with regards to what he should do, shocking I know. So Mark headed to the computer for some research. 

In our lovely back we have a grassy hill that climbs towards the TUC. It was a pretty pathetic hill to tobbaggon so I didn't care what should happen to it. Mark thought of building a retaining wall to grow fruit, perennials, herbs, and some trees and shrubs. 

Our side of the house really had nothing except weeds weeds and more weeds. This is a to be continued project as it will be the vegetable garden and we moved in to late to grow any veggies. 

After a bit of research Mark started digging out the trenches sort of speak. First levelling out the ground and digging it out. Once that was completed he layed out road crush for the cement blocks to go down. 

And here they come. Let me say. It was a wonderful July day when I found out that the new driveway/garage that we had just acquired was out of use as two planks of cement blocks, a pile of dirt and a pile of road crush were now in the occupied spot. Sad times. But I was happy that no one tried to recruit me to do the project. Yes, the only victim was my brother. 

Once the cement blocks were in place Mark filled them in with road crush. To ensure the stability. Look at that hot beaming sun. 

And along the blocks was piping that had holes in it so that when it rains water won't pile up on the wall and push it over. Gravel to cover and hidden by dirt. 

After a while Mark derived a system with a ramp for the wheel barrel to drive up on and to unload the haul of dirt. Before the dirt was laid he ripped apart the grass that previously occupied the ground. 

Looks like it is almost done! Most days Mark chose to do this work in the evening when the sun was slightly going down.  Even though it was going down on that side of the house. But the days and nights were hot, plus the bugs. He he. I did not envy him but he was happy with his iPhone music and headphones. 

Side of the house did get weeding done and a mock layout of what will come. Stay tuned next years post. 

Now the fun part, for Mark. Looking for plants. He had his heart set on Alberta grown plants. I think he succeeded for the most part. Although I may have just picked flowers that caught my eye. He he. 

So once home he got some landscaping fabric, and poked holes to let the flowers, plants, grass out and stuck them in the cement holes. He is unsure how these will hold out next year but he has some proactive plans if they don't hold out. So far they are doing pretty good. More dirt may be needed in the back and a little sprinkler system to ensure they get healthier doses of water, but we will see. 

There is the whole wall in a nut shell. Ooooooooaaaaaaaaaaaaa

And up top are some cranberry, Saskatoon, and other various perennials. I think there is dreams of pies in the future. 

And this future garden had two singular raspberry bushes for the future. Poor things all by their lonesome. But the food will be coming next year!

There you have it. Mark has been working hard and thus ends our busy summer. It will be nice to veg out in the winter. As I feel planting, harvesting, pickling and pies in my future. He he. Well maybe not the first two. 

Love

Just call me a....

Domestic goddess. Some thing quite remarkable happened this week. I didn't go back to school. And all those fall things that I had wanted to do for the past few years...I did. 

You know what I am talking about. You go to the market and you see all the fabulous BC fruit. It's ready for a pie. Or you see those itty bitty cucumbers and you think I really wish I could find the time to pickle. But then you start the semester and the assignments are due in one week and a midterm is doing in three and then all of sudden it's snowing out and you need to buy Christmas gifts. 

But not this year! With mom/Grammies little trick of making pie crust I did a second attempt of a pie, this time peach without mom's presence. And it worked. And it took all my restraint not to eat all the pie in one sitting at that moment, but to freeze it for company at a later day. 

Next attempt was the pickling. I had never done it ever. Sterilizing jars. What's that. Well thank goodness for google and the power of the Internet. And Casey and parents. (And a bit of Martha). Jars canned and popped with market veggies of carrots and cucumbers. Yum. Hope they taste good!

Love

It was fun

As summer vacation wound down I was lucky enough to have a visitor. It was our very first stayover company in our new place. My mom.

When she first landed all I wanted was her not to see the place before I got home from work. I know selfish me but I was just really excited to show off our place to my family and I wanted to be present. He he. So Mark took her on a tour of Edmonton, because she had never been here before. Ha ha. But I got my wish and could show it off. 

I have to say. It was lovely to have her around. And I think she enjoyed it too. There was loads of space for us all to roam about. And mom got in daily walks while I was at work. She may know West Edmonton Mall better than I do. 

We got to shop, visit Aunt Elizabeth, go to Calgary, the market and then another market. Visits to the grocery store, quilt store. Make pies and learn how to really roll out the perfect pie crust. Explore our neighborhood, visits with moms friends and trips to the library. Movie dates, rental movies and hanging out in our pajamas. All and all a fantastic first visitor. 

Love you mom!

So glad I met you

I worked a job and met you.

You seemed quite quiet and shy when I first introduced myself. 

I wasn't sure what to make of you. 

But I was deceived. 

You told me to come closer by the wave of your finger. 

And then gave me a "wet willy" in my ear. 

Then proceeded to laugh hysterically with snorts in between.

That was when I knew you were trouble and 

We were going to get along marvelously. 

I would prank you on occasion. 

Pretend to take your shoes, or your lunch kit. 

But I never would get away with it. 

"Tell Anita" was your response. 

And then giggle in your hands. 

You loved life. You were a doer and up for most anything. 

I remember we both went for a walk to the grocery store. 

We were in fits of giggles trying to maneuver your chair. 

On top of that we were both frazzled in figuring out what to buy. 

"O my gosh!" You would cry. 

You were a wonderful artist. 

Drawing and painting to your content. 

Always there to sing in karaoke. 

Do any scrapbooking or baking. 

And you were an excellent fighter in our water fight wars. 

I feel you are gone too soon. 

You will be sorely missed in many people's hearts. 

In your short life you have achieved so much. 

The most important is what you have taught all of us. 

That anything can be done even when all obstacles are against you. 

I am so glad that we met. 

That we worked together. 

Shared joy. 

And that I can truthfully and honestly call you my friend. 

Love you.