2010

2010 brought change,  professionally,  personally,  logistically...

Kids first...

Big K (16) starting learning guitar,  continues to become a better driver,  played on the rugby team...and continues to be completely love struck by Miss K.

T-Dog (13) made huge personal steps in letting his relationship with me be slowly re-established.  He loves his Shop class,  is a leader,  and a huge help to his family.

B-Boy (13) also played Rugby as well as Basketball and Track.  He continues to a heart breaker and loves life.

Miss S (10) is discovering that style can help you express yourself.  She loves school,  does well at it and has some great friends.

G-Man (9) excels in his school work...is an avid fan of anything Pokemon,  and a less avid fan of trying any new food.

Mr O (6) started Grade 1,  often has.."is the chatty bug in our classroom" mentioned in his report card,  and thinks everything is awesome.

J (4) started Preschool,  has moments of silly,  but mostly is a sit back...take it in...kind of guy.

And us....we got married.  That brings me many thoughts as I feel that we got married for "you".  Many people needed us to be married,  the kids needed the definition,  the parents and family needed the morality and legality.  I didn't need any of that,  but have seen a change in what a 20 min ceremony accomplished. 

C found out that big talk is sometimes that,  just big talk.  Re-located from an office that talked big and never delivered.  Continues to rock at work,  learning and always knocking it out of the park.  Led our construction projects at home,  is a partner to me,  a friend and an emotional support.

I changed jobs this year,  a much needed change as I worked through emotional and mental challenges that was only being added to with that environment.  Continued to work through my struggles and issues.  Have watched people try to forgive,  refuse to forget and continue to not practise what they preach.  I attempt to let it bounce off me rather than consume me. 

Together C and took an amazing trip to Europe,  spent some great time on the boat with friends and family...and another short trip to Victoria.

Christmas season and holidays turned out to be more than we could ever expect with both our oldest boys choosing to spend time with us.  We can never adequately express how touched we are by their maturity.  We enjoyed having our family together for Christmas.  We watch our children adjust to their new situation, their new siblings and friends, and their new definition of family.  We are amazed by them. 

Our 2011 bucket list is already filling.

Finishing the basement

Professional progression

Friends - we are feeling a void here

Travel

The Re-cap

I'm sure you've all been long awaiting this run down of the crazy week....strap yourselves in,  hold on to your hats,  it's gonna be a bumpy (and expensive) ride.

I've been very absent from here lately as we've been busy trying to finish the basement.  Save the funds by doing the work ourselves.  Mr. C knows what he's doing...I just do what I'm told.  We hoped to have the carpet in before the kids arrived,  no can do.  But the walls have a first coat of paint.  So we put some blankets on the floor and headed to Costco to buy 5 matresses.  That's right sports fans....5!  In case it isn't already quite a job and dollar to put on Christmas for 7 children,  adding beds for them....whoa.  But we were escatic that all of them chose to come for Christmas.  Both our oldest boys have been dealing with some hurt an confusion and have not spent time with us.  Big K not in the last couple months,  and T-dog...not at all.  But thanks to iPods with email,  support from their other parents and possibly the promise of Snowboarding (not as a bribe,  but just as a plan for an activity that aparantly tipped the scales in our favor) we had all of our family under one roof for an entire week.  This was very fun and very loud.  We live in a semi-detached home...meaning that one side is attached to someone else (duh). Unfortunately for them,  they decided to move in two weeks before Christmas.  Boys of any age,  but especially two 13 yr old boys, and one nearly 16 yr old...they're loud in everything they do.  Going down the stairs is a stomping ordeal,  combined with smashing someone up against the wall while you do it.  Never named the music from their rooms,  the constant kitchen use and the whooping and hollering surrounding anything X-Box related.  Then add in little boys that have sound effects for every part of their life, and one lone girl that can get anything she wants by shrieking a little.

Anyway,  you get the drift....LOUD.

We picked them up on Sunday afternoon and headed to the house of horrors to begin our fun filled week of Christmas and Festivities.  Movie night at home on Sunday.

Introducing... (poor neglected children who have to find their own food)...

Monday my kids had dentist appointments (always a fun way to kick off Christmas) and then home for a warm day hanging out.

Tuesday is started to warm up,  so we headed to our ever favorite toboggan hill.  If you have too many children,  here's how you get rid of some...

Followed by Games night,  and there you have it....not all facing the camera,  not even all that clear...but that's all of them.

Wednesday was movies,  big Kids....Tron.  Little Kids...Tangled.  Big Kids rating - meh,  not that great.  Little Kids Rating - Awesome!

Wednesday we added another child,  cause what's one more at this point.  Big boys = girfriends...so we brought home Miss K who is loved by all in our home...

Thursday,  the highlight of the week.  Snowboarding.  I took the four oldest and Miss K to COP for a lesson in the finer points of falling on your bottom end muliple times.  T-Dog and B-Boy have been once before,  so of course they were pro's.  But the rest of use learned step by step.  Even the Mom pulled of a few impressive moves.  They loved it,  L-O-V-E-D.  There's talk about foregoing a car (not that he's getting one) and buying a snowboard. 

None of me....ha ha....I had the camera.  And no action shots,  I was too busy rippin down the hill...mostly upright.

Originally Big K was going to be leaving on Christmas Eve.  So we decided to ask Santa if he could stop by our house before heading to China,  thus (yes I said thus) putting Christmas a Day early.  Big K decided to stay,  but Santa was already on his way....so Christmas came early.

I decided to not have stockings.  Reason 1 - couldn't find any I liked,  Reason 2 - I like be different.  So,  Christmas Buckets is what you'll find at our house.  I asked Miss S if it was okay to have Buckets instead of Stockings,  "Are they big?".  Seems tradition is not that important.  The Bucket decorating.

Christmas Eve....the traditional gift,  the regular pandamonium,  always fun.

And (Chinese) Christmas....cause nothin' says Christmas like Mohawk touques and mini m&m's.

One week to crazy....

One week of work left....and it will be a busy one.  I hate it when  project you figure will take a day,  maybe two,  ends up taking the entire week.  Stupid stupid stupid.  Little glitches,  little things turn into a four hour delay,  or this and that turns into another entire day of working on it.  Anyway,  project from last week is complete,  but put me behind on a massive list of  "need to finish before holidays"

On sunday we pick up the masses for a fun filled week of craziness.   The kids are all here for Christmas and the week leading up.  We have plans,  both activity and food related,  to keep them entertained,  fed and having fun.  We're also,  as you know,  frantically finishing the basement so we don't have to all sleep on the same level.  Well,  not frantically finishing at this moment,  seems that UFC trumps basement finishing.  Too bad I already know who wins...and he doesn't...and won't let me tell him,  and would be very annoyed if I blurte it out to you,  as he's reading over my shoulder.

So, 4/7 children's christmas shopping is done.  Seems it's the three big boys who are not quite there, and who are the most expensive.  When "car" is on one of their lists....you can see where this is going.  (he's not getting a car)  Little boys are easy still....Star Wars = win.  10 year old Princess...she's always very specific with lists on the fridge,  including store suggestions.  C man and I are not buying gifts for each other.  (well,  that's not exactly true,  he thinks that 'we' should get a new TV for christmas...I'm pretty sure that is not a 'we' gift) ...(I think a 'we' gift would involve a beach and fruity drink with an umberella and a shirtless 6 pack boy named Alexandro...that's an exellent 'we' gift)....(or just Alexandro)

What's on the lists of our children?  All the obvious of course,  iPods (the 4th Generation of course,  as they have the 3rd gen ones...which are now "so out"...since last year?!)  cell phones,  Paper Jamz (who thought this up?  flat,  useless guitar cuts outs that only play 5 songs...but it's on her list)  Anything Star Wars...but be careful,  cause it has to be Clone Wars...not just any kind of Star Wars.  Then there's the default...Wii games,  Xbox games,  DS Games....any type of game that fits into their brain draining game systems that inhabit every house they call home.    Interesting that this year there isn't anything West49 on the lists of our boys.  I guess West49 has gone south.  Higher on the list is Aeropostale.  Guess they're going preppy rather than skater.  Whatever,  good for the budget..Aero has better sales.

What's on my list?  World peace and elinating hunger of course.  And when that's done....well.  There's this girl I work with.  She's been at our office for 3 months....today is the first day I've seen her wear the same outfit twice.  3 months....INCLUDING SHOES!!!  Oh,  my dream life.  But as she tells me...."Remember Tiff,  I don't have kids".....dang kids.  C man adds,  I've also rarely seen the same winter coat.  (drool and whine...oh the life)

Of course she's also my height and comes in a size 6,  groan.

This holiday season is also bringing some great movies.  The Tourist looks funny,  I enjoy Johnny Depp in nearly any faculty.  21 Jumpstreet,  I love you.  Tron is high on someones list,  seems I have to watch the old one first.  (yippee)  Love and Other Drug...maybe.  Can't think of other ones at this exact moment,  but some good possilibities.  Watch the new Narnia over the weeked with the Big T (horray for big life steps!!)  Pretty good,  better than the second one that I had to watch the night before,  seems I missed it somewhere along the way.  Oh,  the kids want to see Tangled...and I'll likely be seeing Narnia again.

Holiday Schedule - feel free to call and book your slot,  hurry,  times a wastin,  available slots filling up quickly.

Dec 19-25,  unbelievable noise,  mess,  eating,  crazines  and so much fun and quality good time with our kids.

Dec 26-Jan 3 - movies,  staying out late,  friends,  time with you?  ... no kids.

We're both off for two weeks,  need the break,  looking forward to christmas with our children and being together.

Hope your're excited about your plans too.

Add to my Resume

Where have I been?

Adding abilities to my resume.

Drywall Screwer inner
Taper putter upper
Mudder
Make super messer
Continue to be a mudder

Prevous to this I was:

Electrical cord puller thru-er
Electrical socket screwer inner
Taper upper

Later this week I will be:

Sander downer
Primer-er (?)

And hopefully next week:

Painter-er (??)
Carpet Admirer (this is the only item we didn't do ourselves)

Ugh,  I'm tired-er.

I have no words....

Since we last spoke....

So much has been happening.   All our time and energy at work has been devoted to putting on the Canada's Sports Hall of Fame Induction Dinner.

Read full details here.

Such an amazing event,  but wow...took so much work.  55 Honoured Members,  800+ guests.  Big names,  big personalities and big big money.  Little outside my regular circle.  Pretty great though. Always interesting to be stand taking minute without your shoes on,  and watch Jim Peplinski have a conversation.

17 hour day and we pulled it off.  Then was at the office helping with lunch for our Board of Directors...and met Tony Gabriel.  CFL legend.  Very cool,  very cool guy.

Anyway...rubbing shoulders with the rich and famous is new,  and a lot of work.

Due to the big event,  the office was closed for an extended long weekend.  Friday through Monday...so we used up some points and took off on a jet plane for the weekend.  Currently typing from Victoria.

Spent our first night at the Swans Hotel. Spent our afternoon getting our bearings and checking out the scene,  which is our usual schedule when visiting a new city.  The pub downstairs had live music playing for most of the night,  which was fine...though we were too tired to go down and enjoy. 

Was a bit chilly,  had been raining during the night.

Had breakfast at John's Place which is very popular,  line up outside the door at 10 am on a chilly Saturday morning. No space once you're seated,  just like European restaurants where you're put right next to the couple at the next table,  which is touching your table.  No prob,  I always visit with strangers.  Very cool,  very yummy.

Next a bus ride up to Craigdarroch Castle,  a staple visit whenever in Victoria.  I've been here a couple times before,  this is C's first visit.  What I don't remember reading on the last visits was the Joan Dunsmuir had a net worth of 20million in 1890...that's crazy!

We stayed only one night at Swans as the condo we were renting wasn't available Friday night.  The rest of the weekend we're in The Morley,  booking through Vacation Rentals by Owner is always the way to go.  Same price as a hotel,  if not better...full fitted and furnished.  Save a little cash by getting groceries rather than eating out for every meal.  We are loving this quaint little place,  couldn't live here at all,  but a weekend get away is perfect.

Later gater's.

When Lacking...

When lacking witt and humour on your blog...simply turn to the children.

Big L - O you should share your DS with me.

O - No,  I don't think I should.

Big L - Ooooo,  you should always share.

O - No praying is better than sharing.

Huh?

Miss S - (upon arriving at a NE park)  Why did that family take a taxi to the park?

Casey - uh,  their dad owns that taxi.

Miss S - How do you know?

Casey - ummmm...

And finally...

Mom - O,  you should eat your crusts,  it will put hair on your chest.

O - no it won't.

Casey - sure it will O,  just as your mom.

O - (looks at me with suspicion)   (looks at Casey with more suspicion)  How do you know?  Is it cause you've seen her chest,  one time,  by accident?

Yes O,  he has seen my chest one time,  by accident,  and it was hairy.

Back from the dead?

Yes, it's been a while since I posted....a long while.  Busy.

The job is busy and when I get home I crash.  Dinner, veg out,  bed.  That's usually our night.

The mice are cleaned up at the office,  never to return we hope.

So...I have nothing witty or sarcastic to say,  no stories of grandeur,  nor comments on life...just a note to say "I'm still breathing,  no worries,  will be back,  but not today"

T

Mice.....yuck!

So I'm sitting at home,  on a Friday afternoon....laptop hooked up and continuing to work after a tragic mouse situation at work that sent 5 CHSOF Diva's bolting from the office.  (Canada's Sports Hall of Fame -  you know you were wondering)  We knew we had a mouse problem,  we've seen the evidence everywhere.  But when they start venturing into the light,  scaling the garbage and running over our feet when we're actually at the office...I DON'T THINK SO.  Fortunately we're all on laptops and have remote access to our server.  Unforunately that means we all head home and get back to work.  I mostly did that,  but also mostly need some down time.

New job,  love it.  I've never said that about a job.  I've worked,  whether running my own company,  or employed by another, for a long time.  Varying degrees of busy and not.  But this job,  it fits.  The people fit,  the vision fits,   the possilibities are exciting.  I'm anxious to get to work in the morning.  Oh,  I still come home and vent for an hour to my boy about this and that, and he said, she said.  But all in all,  the best career move I've ever made.

Wanna see what I'm about,  or what I'm involved with?  Head over to http://www.sportshall.ca/

Check out the team,  that's right....you'll recognize a name there.  Well sorta,  remember my name has changed recently.

Speaking of that.  Nothing like stammering over your name all the time.  Seriously irritating.  Hello,  this is Tiffany BoRobydts....Hello,  Tiffany speaking.  It's like I'm 19 all over again and don't know.  It takes a while for a new name to roll off your tongue.  And holy red licorice it's expensive to change all your stuff.  Bank,  credit card,  vehicle registration, corporation info....passport!   Haven't got to the passport one yet,  I'm hoping to just talk my way through that one,  not that we're going anywhere for a minute or two.

Back to the job.   So it's crazy busy,  current team is 5 strong...#6 starting next week.  When you're talking a project that is kabillions of dollars...that's not enough.  So we all work,  a lot,  and we do everything, and fill in every where,  and push our boundaries as we try and keep up.  But it's great...and it makes me tired.

I have to dress up most days,  unless I have no meetings...even then it's dressed up jeans.  It's fun to dress up,  it's also expensive.  There's lots of great stuff in the stores,  and you always needs a new "staple" item.  New white shirt is currently on my list.  Have you seen the good stuff at Mexx?  Good, out of my price range,  Superstore is more my price range.   The girls I work with though,  they're all fancy pancy and brand name.  That's okay,  I've had compliments on outfits....they don't know they're Joe brand and Reitmans clearance rack.

Welcome to my new series,  the opposite of the Book of Awesome.

Don't you Hate it When is brought to you...by me,  and the things I Hate it When.

1. Don't you Hate it when you're in Stupid Store,  have to use their bathroom, and have a panic attack for 2 seconds before you realize that they keep the extra toilet paper on the back of the toilet,  and you just didn't notice yet.  Before this revelation to yourself,  you have the moment of wondering how quickly you can shuffle to the next stall before the door opens and the nice old lady wanders in to see your Fruit of the Loom commerial.

2. Don't you Hate it When you're standing in line,  again,  at Stupid Store and there's a random basket on the ground,  with food in it.  Whatever,  it's a grocery store.  But no no,  dude walks up,  picks it up and procedes to step right in front of you,  which is now the front of the line.  Cause I was supposed to know that this basket was his place saver?!  Didn't even look at me,  just steps in front.  I'm flabergasted (that's a fun word to say....flabergasted.  But flab isn't good,  and what does gasted mean anyway?),  I even look around to see if anyone noticed what Mr. Presumptuous just did.  Note to self,  just put a basket on the ground in the Self Checkout line,  maybe walk around and randomly fill it as you come near that spot.  Evenutally when you're done,  you can just pick it up and choose our place in line....cause it's a place saver after all.

Okay,  that's it.  Can't use them all up in one shot.

Back to style...I'm liking the new sweaters this season,  not sure about belting them though.  I think there is a specific body type that can handle a belted sweater....aka the body type with no hips or butt. (Dear A...you know it's you)  I have NEVER had a time when I looked at myself in the mirror and thought..."I should belt this sweater".  Noooo no no.  However boots over jeans,  that's good.  Even bought a pair of skinny jeans...though they are ONLY worn in the boots,  never on their own,   I'm neither 15 nor 95 pounds.  What the HECK are with the mega skinny jeans?  Those are not jeans,  they're called tights people...and I'm pretty sure that boys shouldn't wear them.  Seriously,  they even make your feet look big.  Remember when we used to fold over our jeans in JH...then roll them up?  There was always on leg that stayed all day, and the other one constantly came undone.  What we were doing folding and rolling...they were Levi's 501 for pitty sake,  there was nothing to fold and roll!!

So...NetFlix...you heard of it?  Came to Canada,  online TV/Movie streaming...New Releases,  uh,  if the Burbs,  90210 and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is considered NEW,  dude,  I will be checking into the old folks home tomorrow.   Clearly not that new,  but good place for lots of kids stuff,  older series if you missed them previously,  classic movies...and can't beat $8/month.

Have you seen Inception?!!  Crazy....there's too much to keep track of in that show.  But good.

Eat, Pray, Love?  Also worth it,  not even too far from the book.

Currently reading the Hunger Games series.  This is supposed to be for YA?!!  It's about YA's killing each other.  Careful when you're recomminding it to your YA's...death and carnage is all I'm going to say.

Okay,  that's it.  Turning off my laptop...and going to read the second in the YA series,  cause I'm not a YA...so I can read it if I want.  Nanner nanner booboo.

Untag - Temporary, Blog - Forever

Karma.....that's all I have to say....

The Book of Awesome

Have you seen this book at Costco?  It might be the best mood lifter upper you'll ever find.  It's based on the blog 1000awesomethings.com also worth reading.

Just a few of my favorite from the list....(five cause more than that is too much effort).  Now you can go to the blog and read his commentary on this,  but we all know that I'm going to now proceed to make my own commentary.

#997 Locking people out of the car and pretending to drive away

Okay,  my first thought on this particular point is this should be mandatory for all people who are irritating.  If you bug me,  for whatever reason I find pertinent,  then we should take a drive together.  I will be driving,  obviously,  and you will be jogging/fast walking beside the car trying to gain access.  Now the time of access will depend on just exactly how much you irritate me,  and what you have done to qualify for the #997.  So,  consider your action before going anywhere in the car with me.  You're about to be schooled.

#981 Wearing underwear straight out of the dryer

This is may be the best stress relief ever.  I mean what could be better than a warm bottom end.  Now,  if you have a new fancy washer and dryer,  like I do,  be careful with this point of awesomeness.  When the heat options go from mild to extreme,  you should take this into account before running bottom less to your laundry room,  waiting in a breezy fashion while the dryer finishes and then whippin on those toasty babies.  Burn factor is all I'm saying.  Especially if you're in the odd and head shaking category of life and have some sort of zipper on your underoos.

#967 Illegal Naps

What qualifies as an illegal nap?  Really,  at what point would the unconsciousness REALLY be ILLEGAL.  There are likely some vastly inappropriate times for a nap....and that's right sports fans...now I will share what I consider those to be.

~ While using the facilities.  Now hold up cowpokes.  I know what the male version are thinking....."What?!  that's the perfect place for a little snoozer".  Well,  the reason I know that this is a bad place for such things is that a) I have pictures of all of my children asleep on the potty seat,  do you want that sort of thing out there?  b) What if you fell off,  huh?  Just think about that.  c) How do you balance?  Head back against the wall?  to the side on the counter?  forward on your knees and forearms.  That's just too much prep for me.  And if you have to balance like that,  it's a hard surface on your skull.  That means that part of your skull is going to fall asleep...and likely a pillow is also not recommended.  Forget the National Geographic and Sports Illustrated,  a pile of pillows maybe?

~ At work.  If you are George Kastanza then you already tried to think about this location, and rig up the under desk for a nap time wonderland.   Doesn't matter how much you Chris Angel it,  you cannot pull  it off..."I wasn't sleeping,  just thinking intensely with my head on my desk."  "No really,  my eyes are always closed  like this, and a pool of drool is there for....washing?"  "This line on my face has been there since this morning when I woke up,  I don't have very bouncy skin"

~ Continuing in the "not likely a good idea to nap at work"...let's consider the occupations where this would be especially wrong.  E & M...their jobs....no no.  Anything that involves you holding something sharp and metal (which don't they say not to put that stuff near your teeth,  and yet Mr. Professional not only does that for a long time,  but with force) near my mouth,  teeth and face....please stay alert and on guard.   GSIL's job,  not likely to be productive in the picture taking arena,  if she's el snoozo.  And little Bro...and the flying aircraft....hmmm...big no no.

~ On a date.  First of all,  what does that say about the other person if you suddenly lay your head back,  curl up on the booth seat,   fall off your chair during a conversation.  Yawner,  get a personality.  Now,  maybe you're a hard worker,  burning the midnight oil as it were.  Then please,  put a sign around your neck or something.  "Warning,  warning...."  It's just good manners.  Further,  if they come back from the potty and you are asleep,  what are they supposed to do?  What if this is a blind date?  Or only your first or second?  Dude,  they don't even know your last name yet...never name having to shake you awake.  What if you have a night terror?  Or farted in your sleep?  Ohhhh,  this isn't going to end well....no good night kiss for you.

(I know what you're thinking......oh thank Hansel and Gretel....SHE'S BACK!!!  Well,  I have some time to kill at this moment,  and have some good mental health at the moment,  which confusingly  means lots of head shaking stuff on the blog....back for now,  no guarantees...stop pressuring me!)

~ Skiing....enough said.

~ Pie Eating Contest...just sayin.

~ Beauty Pageant.  Now,  as you probably are well aware,  I've been in many of these...and have a padded lovely room in my home with all my trophies and ribbons.  Big hair accessories...in fact the big hair is there too. I just take it off and put it on the shelf.  Anyway,  enough about me.  I can't think of a single point where napping would be good.  Not during the swimsuit competition,  the talent show (baton twirling especially,  ofr anything with flames) and FOR SURE not during the question answering.  Seriously,  that's hard enough for them to get through,  never name if even slightly asleep.  I aced this part,  of course.

#956 Using Rock, Paper, Scissors to solve anything

Wouldn't this make life so much easier?!  Well,  it has it's pro's and cons.  First of all,  how many tries?  Best 2 our of 3....4 out of 5?  And who decides?  The guy who's trying to win,  or the one who's trying to limit?  Need a mortgage....are you the decider or the banker?  Okay,  so for simplicity sake....let's say that you always get to be the decider.  

I think these are the types of decisions that could be best solved with Rock, Paper, Scissors.

Having children (now already this is going to cause controversy cause if you want a baby,  and he just wants the making the baby part....well you're both going to lose if Scissors cuts your paper)

Buying a new car

Quitting a job

Buying fast food or eating salad

Driving to Regina.....(if only our Rock has smashed their Scissors!!)

But these seem to be times when the RPS (it just takes too long to type) is maybe not recommended.

Sky Diving,  after jumping

During a Tattoo

Hair color when the foil is already on

When looking at the new piercing in the mirror

During a root canal.

Just my thoughts,  I'm open to your suggestions.

#946 The first shower you take after not showering for a really long time 

How long is "a really long time"?  Like after Trek was pretty great (email me if this means nothing to you...cause I know that 90% of my readers just nodded and said "oh ya" in their heads) Camping...ya,  maybe.  But it seems like "a really long time" would indicate that dreads have started and those nails that grow so long that they start to curl.  (Why is it that whenever they show these people in the Guiness book of World Records, they are always trying to hold a pen and write.  Are they authors and just didn't get around to clipping...for 45 years?!)  Or remember when they told that story growing up that you had a growth on your face and it opened up one day and spiders came out....yes I had a disturbing childhood.  That would seem like " a really long time since cleansing".  If it's been "a really long time"  how long should that shower be required to be.   For me,  even going more than a day without washing my mop of hair,  it takes a solid two washings for the soap to get through the hair,  like right to my noggin.  What if you had the dreads that were piled on your head,  and had things hanging and moved on their own like Medusa-ish.  Possibly that would be the time for some Herbal Essence.  (What's with those commercials...really....dumb)

Well,  my five is done...and I seem to be on a roll....wahaha....a few more then.

#935 Eating cookies like Cookie Monster

This should be a requirement before starting any long term serious relationship.  If you do it badly,  well that is clearly a bad choice in mate.  But what qualifies as doing it well?  Velocity?  Range?  Crumb Coverage?   I know,  points to ponder.

#914 Surprise Two Ply

All I can say about this....is.....ewwwww.  Purell Please.

#851 Your Family car growing up

This one is confusing.  Does you car grow?  Mine must be defective because every single day,  it looks the same.  Never have I come out and found a mega beast on my drive way. But this point seems to indicate otherwise.  I'm asking for a refund.

#781 Guys who wear not shirts at cold sporting events

Now,  this really is awesome.  What if it's was "I'm on a horse guy...."  Ooooohh la la.

#695 Walking around with a black eye

That seems to be gender specific....and my impression of the book and blog is that it is male created.  Boy black eye..."I'm a tough guy"  Girl black eye....hmmmm

#658 When you meet up with a group of friends and they stop talking to celebrate your arrival 

You are all terrible terrible people....this has never happened to me...and it would seem a NO BRAINER that it should.  Go to your rooms and think about what you've done....I better see a DRASTIC change in behavior.

#598 Secretly sniffing your armpits and realizing you don't stink

This action is not as secret as you think it is.  There are no motions that I can think of that naturally bring your armpits anywhere near your face....really.  I double dog dare you to give me an example.  So if you think you're secretly doing anything,  I'm here to tell you Professor Plum,  you are mistaken.  However,  that being said...when you find out that roses are what best replicates your pits ....congrats...that's awesome.  But that doesn't happen that often...

Alright,  I can't use up all my wittiness in one day....that would NOT be awesome.

The Hair...

Of all my qualities,  hair has never been one I was lacking.

I have a lot,  and it's curly,  and frizzy and takes a lot of time,  everyday, to tame. 

However,  sometimes it's worth the time and effort that is necessary.

So...how's married life?

I get this question occasionally....and the answer is always the same.  Feels the same as unmarried life.

At 19 married life was significantly different than unmarried.

Unmarried - live with parents or room mates,  I did both...

Married - together,  experience the morning breath,  the unwashed,  the dirty dishes and the "fun" stuff.

Unmarried - talk all night on the phone or on the front step,  just to be together.

Married - go to bed at 10 and think that's great.

Unmarried - spend every moment waiting to be together again,  act stupid in love when together,  think that you're not acting stupid in love...but you totally are.

Married - about the same.

Mr. C and I lived together for 1.5 years before getting married.  Why?  Oh,  the complicated answers that don't fit on this blog. 

Pro - I knew what I was getting myself into with this guy.  I knew his good, bad and can tolerate that.  

Con - see above.

Pro - I knew that I still wanted to be with him.

Con - He got stuck with me due to the above. (wahaha)

What has changed now that I sport his name and wear his ring?  Not much.  A general sigh of relief from those that weren't handling the 'not married, living in sin'  but not much else.  The kids have had different levels of dealing with change.  I think they've done well.  They've all spent time with us since the wedding and been able to see that nothing has changed.   Mom and C are still the same,  it feels the same at their house.   We have always been as open with them as is appropriate for their age.  We continue to be.  They ask a question,  we answer that question.

Moving on...

Dear Wave of Change,  thanks for the ride.

So the Wave of Change thing was about my job.  I was on the Reserve for a year.  I didn't hate it,  but too many aspects of it were not playing well in the mental health area.  I consider myself a confident capable girl,  generally smrt... : )...and able to handle what comes her way.  Working FT has been an adjustment,  but it fits.  This position had played it's time and the fat lady was bellowing her final lines.  I cut back for the summer,  and started looking for something else.  The role I found is not too much different in task,  but light years different in attitude and environment.  Plus the commute is cut by half.  Have to dress up everyday rather than jeans and flip flops...but I can handle that.  The accessory junkie in me loves that part...and "adding to the work wardrobe" is a good excuse for frequent retail therapy.

Old Job - Office Manager,  Tsuu Tina Nation

New Job - Financial Services Manager,  Canada's Sports Hall of Fame,  COP.

I have some big goals for this job...financial is not where I want to stay forever.  It's what they need for now,  so I get my foot in the door.  

Jody at Sanity is Overrated linked us all to an interesting blog today.  I followed,  read,  was intrigued.  Check the side bar for new listing of When the Flames go Up.  Something to ponder.  Hits home for Mr. C and I.

I co-parent 7 children with 3 other parents.  My children and their father,  my stepchildren and their father, and my step children and their mother.  Doesn't matter how you look at it,  we're all in this together.  We may not communicate,  may not make plans or set schedules,  may not even agree on aspects and concepts together..but the fact still remains...I co-parent 7 children with 3 other parents.  I also co-parent 7 children with 4 sets of grandparents.  They all play a different role in the life of these children than they did before.

Advantages...these kids get a lot of love from a lot of different people and places.  Their families have grown as they experience new people and new relationships.  Disadvantages...it gets a bit confusing where they fit in,  who plays what role,  who all these new people are,  and if it's okay to love new people.

For now,  I think we'll be fine.  We all love our kids,  all want the best for them.  All are trying to help them deal with the change in their life with open ears and open minds.

And to start,  let's have them all at our house...at the same time....welcome to my week.

More to come,  if I'm alive....and have held onto my sanity....which as Jody makes perfectly clear,  is often overrated.

Wedding Pics....

See all GSIL pics on FB

No more sleeps....

So...today's the day.  I've hinted that it's happening,  but didn't say when...today is when.

Why today?  Scheduling made it so that today was when mostly everyone was available.  Two of my brothers won't be there unfortunately,  previously booked holiday...and lives on the other side of the world.  I will miss them.  I love you both.

It's been a very stressful week.  Job,  life and no sleep have not helped that.  Never named all the last minute details of the wedding.  For small and simple it sure has been busy and expensive.  We could have done this in Mexico for the price that small and simple has turned out to be.

But it's here....how do I feel?

Not sure actually.  A new chapter of life...

I love him,  I want to be with him,  he makes me happy.  This is the right choice for me,  for my life.

The other stuff?  Complicated and conflicted.

At 19 the morning of my wedding was a whirlwind,  I remember very little of the details.  I was excited and anxious and nervous and oblivious.  At 35 the morning of my wedding,  I am taking a minute to myself.  I am excited and anxious and nervous....and ready.

So far no rain,  overcast and still the possibility....but still dry.  It's an outdoor wedding,  with a backup plan of 'shoved in our living room'....hope for dry weather please.


Life Part 2 - 8 hours

I don't have time for you....

Sorry...deal with it.

New House
Still unpacking
Basement Development
Kids
Cleaning for Company
Meal planning for company
Haven't picked out flowers yet
Second dress fitting
Mani?  Pedi?  Neither booked
Hair appointment
Kids again
Music,  is it going to be loud enough
Chair covers,  Yes?  No? 
Get the last tans in to rock the pictures
Princess doesn't have a dress yet
And she wants a Tiara
Pick up the Chairs
Find a place to store the chairs
Boating? 
Pre-Part-ay
Wedding

Oh...and I work full time.

Bright n Shiny

Though the dentist was not where I wanted to be on Wednesday....I had two moments there that I am grateful for.

First...M said I'm all bright and shiny again....that has not been an easy process,  but I have found myself...finally.

Second,  I had a short chat with E.  My heart aches for her,  I've been there.  Not totally the same,  but the hard choices, choosing what you have to do,  I feel for you.  What I realized on my drive home after that chat,  is that I didn't leave because I didn't love him,  I left because I didn't love me when I was with him.

Thanks girls,  you help my bright and shiny.

Welcome Home

Ty Pennington wasn't there...but we're finally home.

I've been surprised how emotional I've been these past few days in our new home.  It's been a long 15 months of 4 moves and no real space to call our own.

This is also my first new house.  I've pretty protective of it.  Don't scratch my walls or hard wood floors....thank you kindly.

And if anyone could come water my money tree,  I'd appreciate it.  Though our house isn't huge or fancy,  it's three times the size we've been in...not including the house sitting,  we didn't use our stuff there.  So we're realizing just how much we still need.   Plus Casey's already started the basement,  so that's $$ too. 

Dear Lotto Max,  I'd like you to call me please,  I don't have a ticket,  but you should just know.

Miss Princess is loving her new space.  She gets her own room.  The only one that does.  All her brothers, and brothers to be have to share.  She's pretty stoked about this, and likes to rub it in.  Though she's impatient and frustrated that we're not getting her room looking fab-u-lous...like,  right now!  Partly due to funds and the allocation thereof, and partly due to a girl that changes her mind 40 times a day.  Crying melt down in Ikea over garbage can, but we recovered and are moving forward.  Garbage tragedy averted.

I,  being the Dumbo Elephant I sometimes am (my mother called us that growing up,  with love,  of course)..thought it would be great to have the kids right away.  In the new house,  with boxes everywhere and general chaos.  This was not a well thought out plan.  I was at my wits end.  So much to do, kids running.  We survived,  thanks to a backyard of dirt...and boys that like dirt,  and Casey who's great with kids...and smoothies.  IN ADDITION to my lovelies that were with me,  we had Big L,  cousin and buddy.  What's one more right?  My sister had warned me that he sometimes struggles going to sleep...I found this out.  First of all,  I'm on the top bunk with O.  "Mom you have to lay down with me"...ya well,  mom doesn't hike herself up the ladder as easily as once was.  So three little boys and I are trying to settle down.  Big L is in a nice cozy nest on the floor,  when I hear...

L - "Auntie Tiff - I can't fall asleep"

"Dude,  that's because you're talking and you're eyes are open"   

L - "Oh,  right"

He tried for a couple more minutes...

L - "I can't sleep on the floor Auntie Tiff,  I need to be higher"

I'm pretty sure I'll sleep better if I'm high too,  I don't think that's what he meant.  So now I'm on the top bunk with TWO little boys.  Fortunately we had seriously worn them out with a very long walk to a school that we thought was an elementary school and had a park.  It did not.  It was a Catholic High School.  Sorry,  new to town.  A hill saved us.  Rolling, running, skipping, bum scooting (sorry about those grass stains Jules).  That's what they did down the hill.  I was happy to sit on the stairs and watch them.  Then came "who can roll down the hill like you're dead or dying"  I'm not sure how this came up.  There are not a lot of activities in my life that I need to play out "like I'm dead or dying".  But they were all into it.  J rolls down in a very controlled way,  not wanting to get too much momentum.  L rolls down with his arms glued to his sides,  totally straight,  but his head in a weird "I don't really want to bonk it on the rocks" way.  Like a mummy.  O man goes all out,  as he does with most anything in life,  flailing his arms and legs...and Miss S...well she knew how to die in style.  And the best part was once they were at the bottom,  we told them to stay there so they could die on each other,  in true war stardom.  When they were all dead,  we ran.  They didn't find that as amusing as we did.  Party Poopers.

Then,  the infamous game of Mother May I?  Casey was hero of the day with this one.  They thought this was hilarious, except when any one started losing,  then each of the little boys had their own separate melt down...but survived.  J man was slow to talk,  unlike my other chatter boxes who came out talking.  (I don't know where they got that from,  really,  I'm serious...it's a mystery)  He did his best being the 'mother' and did a great job.  Though if you let a person take 27 big steps forward,  well the game is over pretty fast.

Did you know that Old Navy grand openings involve reptiles,  bad bad balloon art,  fake tattoos and cotton candy.  They really know how to rock it out.

Did you also know that if you have W at the store,  she's already been your personal shopper and you leave with a shirt you didn't know you were buying....she's a handy girl to know.

This just in...Casey is on a road trip to Saskatchewan for the day.  He's a rockin fun guy, as you can tell.  It's for work.  So,  he's driving along the high way and I get a text with a pic.  Not even the main highway,  but a back one...cause he was going to Kindersley. 

See that sign,  go ahead and guess what it says....a Blackberry pic won't let you know,  but look at the surroundings.  I'm sure you'll guess.  Keep trying,  almost....okay,  you'll never guess.  Its says,   Exotic Dancers.   ??????  Wha????  That's right.  Are they in that shed ready to jump out at the next guy who can't resist? 

"Why are you so late dear?  And what's with the glitter?  Why is your shirt ripped"

"Oh,  I was driving from Kindersley and couldn't resist the girls from Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.  You should see how they rock the poll in their petticoats and bloomers"

I'm still shaking my head....and Casey is a little more alert on his drive home.

Resuming our conversation....

I've decided that I'm not actually all that funny,  it's my kids that make me cookey.  Notice how bland and boring the blog posts have been lately.  Throw three boys and a princess in the mix,  pow,  I'm full of witt and humor.  (I think so anyway,  the rest of you can suck on a popsicle)

Wave of change,  still working on that....can't let you in on it yet...and no,  it's not about the wedding.

Wedding,  plans are in place...dress is bought,  tux rented,  invites are out (sorry if you aren't getting one,  it's very small and immediate family... + M,  cause she's queen of the world).  Once all family receive their invite,  I'll post what it looked like.  GSIL took amazing pics as always,  and thanks to Photoshop,  I have less wrinkles....ha ha.  Where the h**l did the wrinkles come from? But I know how to rock my PS...so I have smooth silky skin in the pic,  and yes that's what I always look like...really,  can you stand farther back to talk to me please.

So,  this wedding is for the kids...essentially.  We feel that they need the definition that it provides.  I was counselled way back to marry the dude as quickly as possible,  if that's what my choice was.  Children understand what married is.  I was very happy to jet to Vegas and do it over a weekend.  And we could have with what this 'small, simple' wedding is costing.  Cause you should for sure have a 'small, simple' wedding in the same summer that you move into a new house and finish the basement.  That makes total financial sense. (on the floor crying in a puddle)   But our children need to see it official.  Apparently official involves sparkly stuff,  shiny shoes and color selections.  I was good with jeans,  hoody and city hall.  GSIL will document the whole thing...post later.

We were at StupidStore the other day getting groceries for the influx of big boys that eat food like a grazing herd.  And nice girl is giving away free misty things.  What are they called?  Just had a total brain drain...I"m gonna have to google them....um....hmmmm...totally had to text C and ask him.  Ok,  so she was giving away Air Wick things.  She asked me if I wanted a motion sensor one.  I looked at her..."so that I can get shot in the face with it every time I enter the room?"  It seems that's the logic,  cause she said yes.  And yes, that's actually what I said to her.  It's part of my wit and charm that I talk to people as if I've known them my whole life.  I tease strangers in line at places,  in many different countries.  It's a talent,  just love me.

Have you tried Spanx?!  Holy Macaroni with Ketchup those things suck you in.  It takes a team to pull those suckers on,  and don't even think you're gonna get it off very quickly.   Don't wait too long,  that's all I have to say about the tinkle process.

Happy Tuesday!

The Beans

Since GSIL spilled the beans...I guess I'll do the same...

Yes,  we're engaged.

Patience my Pretties...

You'll all dying for the definition of "wave of change"...well keep holding your breath,  cause I ain't spillin it yet.  There is another wave,  and I have to ride that before I can let you know the results.

In other news.  It's moving week.  Blah. We have been house sitting in Cochrane since Dec 1,  while there we decided to stay and build a house.  There are three weeks between when the house sitting is done, and the new house is ready.  I've told you all this before,  keep your panties on.  So we're leaving our stuff in the garage of the current house,  staying at my Aunt's while they are on vacation,  then moving into the new house on the 21st.  Which means...moving now,  and then again.  Groan...  You'd think that we didn't have a lot of stuff in this house,  maybe clothes and bathroom stuff, and food.  Seems we've got a little more than I thought.  Anyway,  we're packing and moving and it's dumb,  but for a good cause.

House update - they finished painting and tiling this week....floors next.  Also likely to get our driveway poured.  I drove by yesterday and two houses down the street had brand new driveways...I think we're next.

Have you been watching America's got Talent?  Well, America does not have Talent,  however they do have issues.  Who let's those people out of their houses?  The hand whistling lady was funny...but the weird eyes too wide guy with the changing masks....st-range!  Kite flying kid....good,  inspiring even.  That looks like something I'd like to try.

Update #2

I wrote all that Friday...didn't post it would seem.

So since then,  we have packed and cleaned the house.  What a job.  Seriously.  That house is just way too big for what we need,  therefore way to much space to clean.  And kids,  why do they put their finger prints everywhere?   We're exhausted,  but part 1 is finished.  Loaded up the vehicles with our clothes, and camping gear.  Why?  Are we camping for three weeks while we wait for the house?  No,  but in two weeks we're at a family reunion.  So we took everything now so we don't have to return to the house over and over.  So truck is full. 

Had a house full of boys this weekend.  Mr O and Big J...Princess S stayed home to attend a year end party.  Plus Giant K,  Smiley B and Gman.  It was a lot of boys.  They were a help,  and a hinder to the packing.  Big boys,  help.....little boys....not so much.

Jody at Sanity is Overrated hit it on the proverbial head again.  Maybe we share a brain.  Okay,  we all know that we don't...since she's all sciencey...and I am clearly not.  Science was never my strong point.  Social Studies,  aka socializing,  aka talk to the boys in class....bingo-rama.  But her quest for the career that speaks to you,  I hear ya sista.

Career choice that doesn't mess with my mental health - yes please.
Career that I even remotely look forward to everyday - me me me!
Careers choice that showcases even 2.7 of my talents, beyond "can work a computer, and look cute doing it". - hand in the air,  look of anticipation.

Step one to that...actually step one is done.  Step 2 is also got a big red ch-eck!  But there has been a step 3 introduced that I wasn't anticipating.  Change is good. 

Dear Wave of Change - I'm wearin my wet suit.

Why do I blog?

Jody at Sanity is Overrated posed an interesting question today.....Why do you blog?

I thought about that....why do I blog. 

May 23, 2007 that was my first blog post.  I think I initially started because it was the thing to do.  Everyone seemed to be jumping on the blogging wagon...I'm a techy girl,  so I did too.  I quickly found out that a blog can have a big impact.  On my life, and those around me.  I'm a bit of a quirky girl,  sometimes the stuff that comes out of my mouth is funny,   sometimes shocking,  other times outrageous.  It all seems to land on this blog.  I have found my blog therapeutic,  fun,  sometimes hurtful and other times silly. 

I've always been amazed that some people judge someone based on their blog,  like as if it reflects their entire life.  I've been further surprised by those that make nasty comments or anonymous ones.  Crazy.

For me,  this blog is sort of a journal,  therapy session for myself,  venting arena and a way to clear out my head so I can move on.  Read if you want....or don't.  Doesn't matter to me.  I blog for me.

Life has changed a lot in the time I've had this blog...and continues to do so.

Why do I read your blogs?  Some I read and leave comments,  others I lurk to see what you're up to.  All are interesting,  all are fun...I enjoy.

Why do you blog?

Oh...and that wave of change...I rode it like a pro.

Waves of change...

There are times when change is welcomed,  other times when it's needed,  and times when it is not wanted at all. 

For me,  it's time for change. 

Life is an interesting adventure,  new people,  situations.

You can never predict when life will throw you an opportunity.

I'm not a good swimmer,  I hope I don't drown in the wave of change.

Aftermath of City Chase

We finished....well not really.  We crossed the finish line,  but due to some unforeseen circumstances,  we didn't complete 10 tasks.

It's a bright and shiny day,  which is already better than last years race which was cold,  wet and drizzly.

We didn't arrive keener early,  as I knew that it was a lot of hoopla to start,  and you just stand around for over an hour.  We skipped the promo talks,  warm ups (this might have been a mistake on our part) and all the general boringness.  Hope on the train,  to avoid parking nightmares,  arrive with 10 minutes to spare.  We're geared up and ready to go.  Casey has been ready to go since about 6 am.  This is my second race,  so I slept fine.  Eau Claire is jammed packed with excited teams of two,  in various outfits and athletic abilities...all excited to get this show on the road.   (Unless we're in the pics,  I can't take credit for them.  Thank you City Chase photographer guy.)

Count down.....3....2....1!!!

Blast out to Princess Island path,  and realize very quickly that I haven't run in a while...what were we thinking?!  That's okay,  we're surviving on adrenaline.  We see that volunteer with the clue sheets.....  Last year Dev and I figured out one clue and took off...sort of mapping our way as we went along.  It worked fine.  This year we wanted to try a different strategy.  Map out a bunch, and head to where there a more than one close. 

We spend about a half hour,  making a plan...texting a friend to look up an address.  We decide on our plan of action and charge out of the starting gates...onto to the train...we are so gonna rock this.  WRONG!  Stupid C-Train construction.  We had jumped on a North bound train.  No problem,  just switch at City Hall....uh,  except that stop is closed and now we're sitting,  with two other teams,  at Bridgeland station...for 20 minutes.  Frustrating...nearly an hour into the race and we haven't gotten anywhere.  That's okay,  back downtown,  decide to hit a chase point that right off the train station.  Arrive,  other teams there,  no chase point.  The clues given are correct, and the place they lead are correct....online research does not give you the right address if the company does not update their sites.  Over and hour since start,  still nowhere.

Alright,  refocus...back to our original plan.  Onto the train and heading to Chinook Station.  One great thing about City Chase is that no matter where you go,  there are other teams, everyone talks and visits like we're long lost friends.  The majority of chasers are not going to win,  or even come close.  We in it for the fun and experience.  So we share clues and answers,  search out points together and give people pointers and directions.  It doesn't hurt anyone's game,  it's just fun.  Finally arrive,  head to Parkour.  Clue was No Limits,  which is just south of Chinook Station.

Challenge - each team has to complete enough events that they have a combined total of ten points.  Shoes off,  get in line.  Casey does climbing, and rolling...and attempts another one.  I do jumping on uneven box things, and vaulting...well,  vaulting is what it was supposed to look like....a spectacle is what it really looked like.

See how this dude has two hands on the vaulty thing, feet together...facing forward.  I was told a few times that I was supposed to do it like this.  Listen pal,  I had two hands on the vault,  two feet generally going over at the same time,  if I land backwards,  on my butt...hey,  at least I got over!!  Fine..Casey gets 6 points,  I have 5...we're done.  Get your race sheet punched (where the guy caught my shirt too and put a whole in it....grrrr).

Next,  two blocks away...Lacrosse.

Pass the ball,  with correct form,  back and forth three times....run to the end.  Not too bad...

Head back to McLeod trail.  Then the constant dilemma of the race.  Wait for the bus/train...or run.  Which is faster,  it it worth the extra wait for the bus in order to save our energy?  We decide to wait.  We're headed to Stanley Park,  we have deducted there are two challenges there.  The wait is longer than expected...but the bus does eventually come.

Frisbee Golf,  and if you go over par you had to do burpees.  Groan.

Survivor Style obstacle...hook your caribeaner to the rope,  thread yourself through.  Partner goes this way,  you come back.  Fun.

Not too bad,  banged those out in about half hour.  Heading back to McLeod.  Pass a guy on the way giving out Slurpee coupons,  bonus!  Potty break and Slurpee's.  Next is The Remodelers,  put together a car,  push it to knock down at least three of the bowling pins.  This was not a well planned or manned chase point.  The kids running it were not excited to be there,  the materials were stupid.  We finished it,  but made a comment about it on the race end sheet.  Even the dumb chase points can be fun if the volunteers are remotely excited to be involved.

Back to the train,  walk with another team and talk with them.  Everyone you pass along the race you say hi too...just fun.  We're headed to the Stampede Casino next.  Object,  get Blackjack.  If you don't...partner has to eat a Prairie Oyster.  Do you know what a Prairie Oyster is?!!  I played,  and hit....he was safe from the Oyster.

5 punches on our race sheet....we're half done.

Train it up to Kensington - Orienteering in Riley Park...then Wheelchair Basketball at Sunnyside Community Centre.

Now comes the bad part.  The next chase point we attempted was at G.A.P Adventures.  You roll the dice to determine what you partner will do...options are

1. Hold a Snake

2. Have a tarantula on your bare stomach

3. Eat a cricket - first pick it out from among his friends.

4. Eat a worm

Which do you think is my biggest Fear Factor?  Eating a worm....what does Casey roll....EATING A FREAKING WORM!!!  I tried,  really I did...but I was tired,  had been in the sun all day,  trying to wrap my head around crunching into this worm that is crawling,  with fangy things all over Casey's hand.  And then when I think I can do it,  I've mentally exited from the building,  I think I can take one for the team...Casey's moves a bit and the things starts flipping around in his hand.  That was the end...I lost my cool completely.  Have you ever had a reaction to something,  total melt down and it was so unlike you,  and you couldn't control it...and it took over you.  That's what I did.  So embarrassing.  Go running and screaming out of the place,  hands over my face like a fool.  Casey catches me and I'm in tears..."It's okay, you don't have to do it"  I felt awful,  and humiliated, and a little scared of the out of control feelings.  Anyway,  they didn't stamp our race sheet for that one.

Next,  Stand Up Comedy.  Go to the pool hall,  look at the five subject options,  make up a comedy routine and preform for 30 second.  Though he didn't quite have the complete melt down that I did,  Case didn't think he could do this one...so we moved on.

Body Worlds - Telus Science Centre.  This one was painting the bones of your arm,  on your arm,  then have to name three of them.  Easy peasy...I painted,  Casey was painted on.

9 down.  There's a final chase point that we could do right at Eau Claire.  We decide to do that one.  It's close to the finish line. We still have 45 minutes before the race finished,  so we'll be fine.  Unfortunately there are a bunch of other teams with the same plan.  Long line up.  Looks like a task that you get chained together,  have to go around Eau Claire Market and find the clues that will give you the code to the lock.  Great,  no problem.  We stand in line and meet John and Brian.  Great guys who are doing the race for the first time.  As is always the case when the racers get together,  we all share which chase points we've done. 

City Chase is sponsored by Blackberry.  New this year is having the Instant Messenger on your BB hooked up with the City Chase Guru.  Through out the race we've gotten IM's about different things.  None really useful,  just info on waiting lines,  and the number of teams that have finished.  But while we're in line we get a IM that the first team to show up at the Community Room get a free entry to next years race.  We know that if we get out of line,  we won't be able to finish all 10 tasks...but free entry is also attractive,  race entry fee is not cheap.  We decide to go for it...we come screaming in right behind the guy that got it. 

So that's it,  we're out of time.  We line up at the finish,  declare ourselves done,  with only 9 tasks...and accept the slight failure,  but ultimately the great success that we finished,  and finished together having had a great time.

Dear City Chase,  see you next year!