Laugh often, eat well, love much

It would be really great if...

2012-01-30T23:24:00.000-07:00

It would be really great if I was sleeping.

It would be really great if I wasn't thinking too much.

It would be really great if everyone could be healthy.

It would be really great if everything went as planned, all the time.

It would be really great if chocolate was fat free.

It would be really great if I made time to run again.

It would be really great if my bathrooms stayed clean.

It would be really great if I could be where the sun shines more.

It is really great that my safe place is cozy.

It is really great that she's happy and growing.

It is really great that they appreciate me everyday.

It is really great that he cooks.

It is really great that they still want to get in bed with me.

It is really great that you moved away so we could finally be friends.

Sometimes, what could be really great, really is.

Ponder

2012-01-29T20:25:00.001-07:00

I've been thinking about this place in cyber world where I used to put my thoughts into text. I'm not the same person I used to be, not the same woman, not the same mother. Do I need this place?

I haven't been here in a long time, many reasons cross my mind...but also one of change. This place has housed many outlets for me, many moments of clarity, confusion and confession. The purpose it served is no longer relevant.

But...it was fun.

Choose to be Happy. I voice this to my children. Choose to be around those you love, to love those around you and to make choices that bring happiness to your life.

I have chosen to be happy, and have found happiness in my choices.

So...maybe I'm back.

I guess you'll have to stay tuned, or tune out...either way.

Choose to be Happy.

Update

2011-06-05T11:28:00.001-06:00

You can tell when I get busy...the blog posts take a serious halt.

New job is working out so far. Feels like a fit, but I've said that before so we'll see how it progresses.

C's work it out of control busy, we try to keep balance with out big jobs and big life.

Off Spring are doing well, Big K got his driver's license...remember how that felt like such freedom??!

Mr T turned 14, wow... G man is turning 10 this week. The rest are all doing well and progressing in life.

That's it, life is work...kids...try and stop the rain so we can put grass in the backyard.

OHhhh wait, some gems from this weekend with ALL the kids.

J - Talk to the booty cause the hands off duty.
O - What does my shirt say? (Old Navy)... Oh, it should say "Death if you touch me.
O (after we'd been at Genesis Place for about an hour and had to leave because there was an "accident" in the pool) "Why does this keep happening to me, people should poop where the poop goes."

It seems the rest of them aren't funny, cause it's always J and O quotes. but hey, it could be worse, you could have a Cranker. (yes inside joke that only a few are giggling at...love to those who just giggled)

Jesus doesn't have Webkinz

2011-04-29T11:26:00.001-06:00

Easter vacation is nearing an end and we have had one heck of a week. With 6 of 7 children here...it's been crazy. Our usual loud, messy, and endless meal prep...plus add in weird weather, family extravaganza's, birthday parties and the Easter Bunny...well, I'm ready for a nap.

Children provide the best comic relief, and in anticipation of an Easter Week post, I kept track of some gems.

In no particular order...

My niece, Miss B is a delightful girl, who comes up with some serious one liners. She's her father child for sure. The title of this post is one of hers. I over heard this line from her mother, in response to B which I didn't hear. I can't quite imagine what the conversation would be that "Jesus doesn't have webkinz" is the answer.

More B'isms

We're driving own MacLeod trail heading to S bday event...and B see's the Wal-Mart sign.

B "Why is is WAL, why not WALL? I think is should be WALL coffin MART"

Us..."Coffin? You mean hyphen?"

B "Oh ya, hyphen".

While having fun at the Clayground, see SIL blog for the pics, B's chatting as she paints. At some point its deemed necessary for her to explain that she has a girl accent.

Silly girl, you are so cute.

Our family, mostly the kids and C, like to play Charades. I don't find this particularly fun, mostly because I'm not a fan of going out of my way to make a fool of myself. No extra effort is required, I can accomplish this without any effort at all.

We have TJ staying with us in order to get quality time with S. They don't get enough time together, and desperately miss each other. New for TJ is a house full of boys...we have a lot of boys in this family. So we start our usual game of Charades. Slips of paper are handed out, everyone submits 3. In a house full of boys there is a lot of " so and so smells like...." We have our own action for "smells like". TJ found out very quickly that this is not a serious game, nor one that requires a lot of thought for your submission.

Actual items requiring a charade.

Easter bunny poop
I saw a flying pig
I'm a fairy princess
K sucks at Rugby
Picachu the Pokemon

Therefore when her submission was "Immune System" she warranted some teasing from all. She was good about it though. Love that girl.

Mr J is always good for funny stuff. He's 4 and began talking later than the rest. When you have O as your older brother, there is no real need for speaking...it's done for you. However, he has some great stuff to say.

From the living room on various occasions I hear.

"I don't want to fall this instant"
"Am I a foot-pecker or a bird?" (I can't even imagine what the context of this conversation is.

CC was sitting outside reading, trying to find some peace and quiet, as this house has a significant noise difference when the lovelies are here. So she's trying to escape the pandemonium and has Mr J open the screen door to have a discussion with her, a serious one.

J - "CC, were you kidding when you said you were going to sleep out here?|
CC - "Yes J, I was kidding"
J - "C, kidding is like lying"...give her a look of "so think about that" and then the two finger peace sign. Slides the door closed and walks away. Come back, opens the door and give a small explanation.

J - "That means peace sucka"

The boys are colouring at the island, and there's one felt missing.

Mom - "J, where is the pink felt, you had them downstairs, did you leave one down there?"

J - "I was throwing them in the air and the lids came off and one got on me. That how the felt got on my shirt. They were flipping all over and behind me, and they fell and rolled and that when the leprechauns got them. Cause leprechauns make messes and steal stuff, really...my teacher told me"

I just wanted to know if felt was left downstairs, something tells me he has a guilty conscious.

O, always a character. He's a skinny dude, not an ounce of fat on the boy. We often have the problem that he wants to eat right before bed. I don't like this habit and try to encourage him to eat enough at dinner. Granted he has a nuclear metabolism. This was the conversation.

Mom - "O, did you eat enough dinner so you don't tell me you're starving at bed time? Is your tummy full"

O - thinks about that for a minutes..."there's just enough room for a cookie".

Of course there is.

Teenage boy language is different than, you know, real people language. You cannot have a conversation of any kind without the following four words Incorporated.

Epic
Seriously
Fail
Pro

If you combine these they have maximum impact. Epic Fail, Seriously Pro. However, you need to have them in proper use.

Epic is good...epic fail...bad. Pro can be used on it's own...'That's pro", which is a positive response to...I don't know what, something. I think it's sort of like saying something is cool. But who knows.

Rules if you are male, and of teen age.

Never walk past the kitchen without swiping at least 3 cookies.
Graze for food constantly.
Bound down the stairs, walking calmly is forbidden
Speak 50 decibels louder than necessary at all times.
Drink gallons of milk per day
Ride your bike thru every mud puddle possible.
Either shower incessantly, or not enough, there is no middle ground.
Always ball up your clothes when discarded.
If a shorter child is being annoying, get rid of them by pushing their head, their body will follow.
Always use a clean cup, using the same cup twice is not allowed, and never put it in the dishwasher.

Now don't get the idea that we don't enjoy our boys...they rock.

Hope you had a fun Easter!

Long long ago, in a galaxy far far away...

2011-04-21T10:38:00.001-06:00

Remember when I was funny?

Careful how you answer that question....the suggested response is "you still are, don't fret buttercup".

Well, we both know that the blog has been lacking lately, and though you've all been somewhat loyal fans, which I can only assume, because I don't know if you come here or not...and if you do, you don't comment so maybe I'm just venting into the depths of mountain air freshness and construction frenzy.

Anyway, in reading the postings of a new blogger, who I don't know, but followed from the blog of another blogger who's blog I enjoy, and return to his blog to read his blogging...(breath) I concluded that it's been a bit boring of late. True, the life has also been a bit boring of late. So I dedicate myself to returning to make fun of the human race, pointing out obvious flaws in how everyone except me runs their life, shaking my head with a one eye brow raise at people's wardrobe choices, and generally enjoying how screwed up society is.

Round of applause, The Divine M is cheering (I just know it)

So let's start with Mr Sheen. (my mother just went,...."who?") Mr. Husband is a fan of the show that made this man ubber rich (refer to yesterdays post about the ubbers), and since I am a fan of Mr. Husband, I too have sat and so/so enjoyed said show. Whatever, it's fine...not Community by any means, but acceptable. The show seems to be a tamed down version of his actual life, less the under age companions of questionable character, with paid for "enhancements", paid for "injections" and paid for "stimulants"...of which Mr Sheen paid for, since he's an ubber. It's not like the dude is 20 and still discovering life and all it's deceptions. He's not 25 and finding himself among the sea of college co-eds...the dude is like 50! Get your crap together, you're supposed to be a grown up. I did enjoy his recent support of Bipolar awareness, in his extensive walk to raise funds...the walk was from his hotel to the studio. Like across the street, ooohhh aahhhh, look at the social awareness!

Job seekers, or as I like to call them...penniless beggars. I'm one of them recently, so don't start composing your comments in all caps. The job market has improved somewhat, but the competition is fierce as the seagulls at Peter's. So if you are finding it difficult to find a new position, of course you should beg for a job on Kijiji or Craigslist. This is sure to provide a prospective employer the motivation to call you right up and offer you cash. Furthermore, make sure and describe your robust body type of TV watching results, your extensive experience in fast food joints, and that you have several snot nose brats who are, at this moment, eating Cheetos and watching Sponge Bob. FOR SURE, this will have them frothing at the mouth, begging for your resume. Oh but wait, one final detail that will nail it...mention that you're not going to make May rent. That's the clincher. I can't make this stuff up, I read this for reals. (okay, we both know that I can totally make this stuff up, but for reals I didn't)

O-isms. As you know, Mr O is a funny dude. He comes up with some surprising comments that make you think..."who's kid are you? oh wait, ha ha, I know". So the other morning he comes in at the break of dawn to announce that he has to pee. I'm pretty sure that we've been over this multiple times, we do not live in Communism, you can pee if you want...right in the bathroom even. He and his younger staulkier counter part J will stand at the side of my sleeping form, doing the pee pee dance until I grogg out in a sleepy, eyes still closed voice..."Go pee". This seems to be the empowering words that send them both into a wild race to the bathroom, where they sound like a fire hose drenching the flaming shell of your house. I don't know how so much can be stored into such small beings.

O is sufficiently emptied which then means that his mouth is revved up. Again, not sure where this particular DNA characteristic originates, ancestors and covered wagons to be sure. I love the morning snuggle with the children, don't get me wrong. But if there's any sort of 5 or 6...even 7 on weekends, at the beginning of the clock display...pu-lease! Yes O you may get in my bed, no O we are not discussing world peace quite yet...but sure, you can bring your DS, with the sound off, and play until I'm ready to be conscious. On this occasion he concluded that he wanted to play a game on my phone, fine...it's right there, rock it out. He knows how to work the Blackberry...he's 7, Grandpa just figured out texting...he's 60...just sayin.

From the mouth of my blonde, 43 pound man of fury....to no one in-particular as all present were still hoping he was a bad dream at 6:30 am...."I'm a beast at this game".

J-ism. Mr Husband concocts various fruity drinks for the children. He likes to impress them with his skills...if you've met J, he's not easily impressed and if he is, there's no way he's changing his facial expression to show that. Serious, this 4 yr old is a serious one. Mr Husband makes him an impressive display of orange juice, tonic water fizziness and grenadine. Orange and red layers in a fizzy display of yummy. J has decided this is acceptable, with a general glance at Mr. Husband. He has his bendy straw, like all real men...and is starting the one sip to empty your glass. Mr Husband has a PhD in teasing. "Hey, that looks good, can I have some?" to which J, without even expelling the straw from his mouth, no unbending the bendiness says...."If you get your own".

J - 1 point

Mr. Husband - nada

That's all you can handle for today, I know. Overwhelming return to wittiness and flava (pronounced flAva) is too much for any entertainment seeking soul.

But in our next episode...

Children descend for a fun filled week of eating, mess making, slamming each other up against the stairway walls.

Parents quadruple their food budget for 8 days of joy.

20 something student wonders why she ever decided that this was a good place to live, even if the top bunk of the toddler bed is supa comfy.

...and Saskatchewan residents return for corralling children for picture taking, releasing the hounds of visiting marathons and dunking the kid.

Ciao

...and another thing...

2011-04-20T09:59:00.001-06:00

Though my resume says I like people, I'm pretty sure I don't.

One of the jobs I interviewed for yesterday, which I just found out I didn't get...so now I can talk about them...is a company that does wealth management for the ubber rich. Now, I'm pretty sure I know nothing whatsoever about being ubber rich. It seems however, that there is such a need for this that an entire business has been set up. In their explanation of their company they said that they have focused a lot of their attention on teaching the children of the ubber's to manage the wealth they are going to inherit. Now, I love my parents to bits, but I'm confident that wealth and inheritance have never been a part of any serious conversation....but a part of many "in fairyland with unicorns land" conversations. There was also a part of the interview were they spoke about the need for the utmost confidentiality (which it seems I've already broken with this post, but since they didn't choose me...nana booboo). Their clients are the rich, famous, in the news, on TV, in the papers and all that jazz (with the jazz hands). Well ladee da. But again, I didn't get this job so I won't be advising spoiled clueless rich kids how to manage their ubberness....nor meeting hoity toities. Oh well.

Next, in my daily review of job postings in search of the "you complete me" position...there are a lot of weird people out there, and even more wierdness in the posters of positions. I scan the obvious sites...(who decided that Monster was a good name for a job site?) but I also look on the less obvious, and free listings, which also tends to be the shake your head and wonder what people are thinking and why they post stuff at 3 am listings.

Cases in point...

Looking for a personal assistant to help with running errands, light cleaning and shopping. Hoping to find someone who is attractive,fun, flirty and open minded enough to accompany me on short trips for shopping or just weekend get a ways.
Reply if interested
Thanks

Huh? Isn't that what a girlfriend is for? My name is not Pretty Woman.

EX-CONS needed for new TV show. If you are an ex-con man or woman and have a business idea but no money to make it happen, you may be perfect for our new TV show. Feel free to post this ad on your Facebook page.

You have no money, as an Ex-Con, but you have internet access for your FB page?

looking for females between the age of 18-24 for a short adult film. actual filming time is between 10-15minutes. makeup artist will be on set for hair and makeup.
if interested please send a photo and your expected pay.

final work will be posted on a paid membership based website

Well then, good to know the options are open. Why are capital letters against your religion?

Dauck Sa Rang Inc. dba Dauck Sa Rang & Cafe in Calgary

Huh?

Hire Charlie Sheen's Intern Hopeful To Run Your Social Networking

Not a good opening line...

High end dessert wholesaler looking for a Self Employed individual experienced in the food service industry to compete in the alberta Market with a proven track record line of Desserts.
you need Freezer space and Delivery Truck.

Mmmmm, dessert distributor...

Anesthesiologist THIS IS A PROPOSED POSITION AND AVAILABILITY OF POSITIONS WILL BE CONTINGENT UPON CONTRACT AWARD. LOCATION OF PERFORMANCE WILL BE IN IRAQ.

First of all, why is he yelling? and second....do you want an Anesthesiologist that was recruited off Craigs List?!

I'm going to apply...seems as though you don't REALLY need to have any qualifications...just SAY you're an anesthesiologist.

Stay tuned.

One extreme to the other...

2011-04-20T07:52:00.000-06:00

May I never repeat a day like yesterday.

So...I lost my job a while ago...and it's been my new job to find a job. This has proven harder than I was expecting. There are a lot of jobs I'm qualified for, also a lot of competition. Plus this opportunity (if that's what you call it) has given me a chance to change my career path a bit. It's also been very difficult..blah blah, moving on.

Yesterday I have two interviews set up. Great, I've had a few interviews, none have panned out to a position I want, and a few times I've been scheduled for an interview and then get a call the morning of saying that they've decided I'm over qualified. WHAT?! Then why did you call me in the first place? Did my resume change since the first time you read it? Seriously, this has happened more than once.

Anyway, my morning is planned out, I need to leave the house around 11 for a few errands, have lunch with my husband...then head to the first interview at 1:00. Great, no problem...hunky dunky. So I'm putting the two addresses into the GPS that husband has left on the kitchen counter for me. Get my phone and look up the calendar to get the addresses. Phone says first interview is at 11, not 1:00. This might have been fine, except it's 10:15...and I live in Cochrane, and I have wet hair still. Panic. I call the lady and leave a message..."My brain says 1:00, but my phone says 11:00. Can you please call me back and confirm the time". She does, it's 11. Crapola!

So she's flexible and says I can come for 11:30, no problem, these things happen. Still, not the best first impression. Fortunately I had already phone interviewed with them and they had narrowed the field down to the 3, and I was in the group. So she still wants to talk with me. Mega fast hair drying and straightening, and shoot out the door.

Handy GPS says I'll get there in time. Okay breathe.

Driving along Deerfoot, no problemo...didn't have the sound on the GPS going. I don't turn it on until I'm getting close, I don't need her to tell me to keep driving on Deerfoot. So I turn it on, and find out I'm missing the turn, cause the sun was shining on the screen and I didn't see that it was coming up right away. Crapola...okay, recalculating, 5 min is added to the time...still okay. Heart rate slows, breathe again.

Interview was fine. Meet hubby for lunch, have some time to kill. Run to the mall to get my newest niece a "congrats on being born" gift. Head to second interview.

As mentioned, I had already programmed both addresses into the GPS, so I turn it on...and get startled by the voice coming from the GPS. Hubby who thinks he's so funny has changed it from the nice soothing lady that tells me when to turn....is now Dr. Nightmare (no joke, that's what the name is)

This isn't our GPS, but you get the idea. He also laughs, and when you decide to go a different direction than the GPS is suggesting, he says..."Let me check my magic book".

Get to second interview. I have some time, good thing because I go into the wrong building first. Whatever, I figure it out. Interview goes well.

Head downtown to sell some Rob Zombie tickets that C won, we're not really Rob Zombie and Slayer people...but hey, some people are and if you list them on Kijiji, you get cash for something that was free. Much needed since I'm unemployed.

Stop at H&R Block on the way home to pick up our taxes, yuck...I hate taxes. Wallet it gone.

Unbelievable. This day has already had enough stress....and now MY WALLET IS GONE!?!!? I have never lost or had my wallet stolen. I can't take our taxes, being that I have no cards and I should keep the concert ticket cash as now it's all I have to live on it seems. This day should be done, I cannot handle the extremes of it anymore.

Head home, check the car a bazillion more times...no idea where it is. Must have dropped it because I bought the gift for my niece, then went to interview then home. I've called all those places....nope.

It's unnerving to think that someone might have something as personal as my wallet. All my ID, credit cards, bank cards, birth certificates, new pack of stamps (grumble). It's easy to cancel cards and have them re-issued...a bit expensive to get new driver's license and birth certificates, but all possible. But to have something gone that I've had for nearly 20 years, (I think if you can say anything "for 20 years"...you're getting old, just sayin) the same wallet for that long....I don't like that.

I'm hoping that a nice person picked it up and will look at my DL and mail to me. I've done that before, doesn't karma owe me one? UGHGHGHGHG.

So, goodbye day. Thanks for the good interviews, I hope to hear from them soon....no thanks for the stress, for the invasion of my privacy and for the toasted sub for lunch that scraped the top of my mouth!

Puzzling...

2011-04-18T08:02:00.000-06:00

I was sleeping the other night, and then not. It was too hot, why was it hot at 1am, I don't like it hot when I'm sleeping. I like a crisp cool room with me warm and snuggly. I remember thinking....why would it be hot, the heat should have turned down. Then at 3 Mr. J wandered in looking for a snuggle, and again....why is it so hot up here. So I snuggle in a boys size bunk bed with a boy size boy...wondering if someone touched the heat earlier. Mr J fell asleep, I went back to the mom size bed. Mr. J wandered in again, so I set him up on my floor and went to check the heat. Go downstairs, it's freezing. What?!? Did a window get opened? Check the windows...nope, nope. Turn around and here is our front door, at 3 am, wide open. WHAT THE HECK!?!?! Heat is on constantly trying to warm the main level, which is quite literally trying to heat the outside, and not in a mom yelling from the kitchen for a kid to close the door way. Really, we were trying to heat the outside.

Then I get a little panicky. We live in a safe neighborhood...have an RCMP dude that lives next door. Okay, focus. It's snowy, (grumble grumble) are there any footprints on the front step that would indicate someone has been in our house? No, none. Are all the children's shoes still there...maybe one has escaped in the night. 6 children's shoes accounted for. Do we have 6 children here?! Check the kids rooms, and beds....yes. Only one missing, but he was supposed to be missing....the the 6 we brought are still here.

Weird. Of course, once we are no longer trying to heat the outside, the heat in the house evens out. C was already awake with the J man wandering in so many times.

"The front door was completely open!"

"WHAT?! What do you mean?" (not sure how I could have said that any more clear)

"The front door, wide open...it was freezing downstairs and that's why its so hot up here, the heat has been going constantly since 11pm."

The only thing we can figure, is I went to pick up CC and must not have pulled the door closed all the way. She had opened a window upstairs a bit, and that must have altered the air pressure in the house and pulled the front door open a bit more.

Regardless, wide open front door in the middle of the night, likely not the safest venture, and not friendly to the heat bill either.

Sheesh.

So...

2011-04-06T12:13:00.000-06:00

So...I haven't felt like talking. Pick yourself up off the floor. It's been months since I've been on here, that's a record, and pretty indicative of me at the moment. This moment has lasted a while though, which is depressing. I've created a couple drafts to post, and none have made it past the drawing board. I re-read them and they're not worth hitting Publish Post. Certainly not the usual witty banter and ridiculousness that you usually read here. Granted there hasn't been much wittiness and ridiculousness to witness and report.

Ever wonder why there wasn't a manual for your life provided. I like a plan, an objective, a goal. I always have a path charted in my head, with alternative paths drawn, points of interested mapped and the bullet points of the process thought out. I don't like being taken off guard. I'd like to order my manual, think they have it listed on Amazon or something?

And what the chunky chicken is up with the weather!?!?! That's not helping anyone's state of mind!

Okay, deep breath...moving on.

Have you been watching Community!? Oh my tuna it's great. We've only just discovered it, so we're catching up on Netflix...but wow. Abed is my favorite, right up there with Sheldon from TBBT.

That's it for today...I will make a better effort to get on here. C says it's good for my mental health, I think it might be encouraging the questionable side of my mental health, but that's what you're all here for anyway.

Don't deny it, I know!

At least I'm not an Ophiu...what?

2011-01-13T17:45:00.001-07:00

Did you know that your sign had changed? I just found out today....seems that all this time I've been a Capicorn, and now due to the earths alignment I'm a Saggitarius. Now this is a problem, because Saggitarius takes some thought to spell. I sound it out in my head while I type it. That is not going to work out for me.

So has my personality changed with the shift of the earth??!! Let's find out.

Capricorn on the outside is a cool, calm, reserved individual with powerful inner strength who possesses the innate ability to rise to the top through unflinching conviction and sheer perseverance. (yes, this is true, unflinching for sure) This is a rather stoic (what does stoic mean?) person who more than anything else enjoys power (She-Ra Princess of POWER), respect, (on your knees little people) and authority, (off with his head) and who is willing to toe (toe the line? did they mean tow the line? This was a bad site to copy and paste) the line for as long as it takes to achieve his goals. Inwardly, however, Capricorn may not be the self-confident pillar of strength that she appears to be, (don't tell anyone) and when her power or authority is compromised, she may make flawed decisions that could cause everything she has worked for to go down in flames in a spectacular way (flames, not just down, but in flames) - think Richard Nixon or Mel Gibson. (umm, I don't think those are good examples.) Even so, the Capricorn personality is one that is firmly grounded in reality and who will consistently be the voice of reason in a chaotic world. (remember that, voice of reason...) She understands why the rules are in place and conforms accordingly. (uh, I think this is meant for someone else) Though she may seem unfriendly, arrogant, or without humor to outsiders, (define Outsiders...) Capricorn is inwardly quite warm and sympathetic, often with a surprisingly quick wit. (thats right, warm and sympathetic...) Capricorn's general outlook is fairly rigid, and once she forms a view of the world, she will often stubbornly hold on to that view despite compelling evidence to the contrary. (bring me your compelling evidence ) She may also be subject to a degree of pessimism, often seeing the glass as half empty rather than half full. (what? what do you mean? ) Socially, Capricorn is inhibited and uncomfortable in new situations, approaching others at first with caution and suspicion. (that's me behind the mask, with the look of suspicion) As far as money is concerned, Capricorn approaches finances as she does everything else - with prudence, planning, and discipline. As such, there are not many Capricorns on the bottom of the barrel in society. (Don't look for me at the bottom of the barrell)

Okay, let's see if the earth's alignment is right....

Sagittarius is the traveler of the zodiac and considers every day an opportunity for another adventure. (bring it on....) This is a cheerful, spontaneous, and idealistic individual with an exceptional sense of humor. (exceptional!) Though there is not a malicious bone in her body, (not even one) Sagittarius often suffers from foot-in-mouth syndrome, (what? that's not true.... hee hee) giving honest assessments where a little tact might suit the situation better, (listen, if you can't take it, go home....) then dancing merrily away with nary (nary?) a thought as to how her comments have negatively affected others. (I don't know that there is much dancing) Though not considered particularly deep by friends and acquaintances, Sagittarius does think deeply about the big picture, such as why she is here and where she is going, and can often see the end results with almost prophetic accuracy. (prophetic people...thats right, prophetic) As a lifelong seeker of knowledge, Sagittarius will likely be quite well-read in a variety of subjects, and will be equipped with a well-developed philosophy in which she maintains unshakable faith. (go ahead, ask me anything....oh, too late, too bad) Sagittarians retain almost a child-like quality throughout their lives, always remaining optimistic and never fully accepting the seriousness inherent in day-to-day living.( why be serious?) Obviously, this degree of child-like naivety coupled with borderline reckless spontaneity can and does cause problems for some Sagittarius individuals, (oh, hmmm) but if things don't turn out well, they will dust themselves off and cheerfully jump to their next adventure without any serious regrets.

Hmmm, maybe this was a bad exercise.

= )

2011

2011-01-03T09:14:00.000-07:00

Last day off, not getting out of bed yet...

Two weeks has flown by. We slept a lot, hung out with the kids, watched the first season of Departures, and well into the second. Had multiple movie marathon's, and saw a bunch in the theatre.

Tangled - cute, funny, a definite "go"
Tron - meh, good special effects, bad everything else
The Tourist - funny and 'clean'
The Fighter - tonnes of language, drug use, very good story
True Grit - slow but funny, bad ending.

Resolutions? Sure...why not.

Get running again. Aiming for the stress relief and fitness, the weight loss will be a bonus.
Professional progression - looking forward to the opportunities my work place provides.
Travel - oh the list is long, the details complex and the money saving in the works.
Relationships - making new, strengthening old, eliminating unhealthy.

You?

2010

2010-12-31T12:42:00.001-07:00

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

2010-12-31T12:33:00.001-07:00

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....

2010-12-13T20:04:00.000-07:00

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

2010-12-05T18:51:00.000-07:00

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....

2010-11-14T18:40:00.000-07:00

Since we last spoke....

2010-11-13T16:40:00.000-07:00

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...

2010-10-31T20:21:00.000-06:00

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?

2010-10-27T18:06:00.000-06:00

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!

2010-09-24T15:46:00.001-06:00

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

2010-09-16T20:15:00.001-06:00

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

The Book of Awesome

2010-08-31T20:29:00.000-06:00

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...

2010-08-29T13:13:00.000-06:00

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?

2010-08-23T15:18:00.000-06:00

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....

2010-08-12T19:05:00.000-06:00

See all GSIL pics on FB

No more sleeps....

2010-08-08T07:04:00.000-06:00

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....

2010-08-03T21:16:00.000-06:00

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

2010-07-30T08:11:00.000-06:00

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

2010-07-27T15:15:00.000-06:00

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

2010-07-14T12:00:00.000-06:00

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

Yes, we're engaged.

Patience my Pretties...

2010-06-28T10:07:00.000-06:00

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?

2010-06-23T08:42:00.000-06:00

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...

2010-06-17T14:50:00.000-06:00

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

2010-06-15T13:55:00.000-06:00

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!

Rash

2010-06-12T07:17:00.000-06:00

So...I've discovered an odd rash, not sure why I have it...nor how I got it. Possibly from the pole dancing lessons I've been taking, maybe they don't sanitize those very well. Might be the chaps I like to wear at home, commando...I guess that would do it as well.

Anyway, I've been tinkering with a new hobby. Really interested in starting my own Swing Club. Cochrane is such a quiet town, I think I could really add to the atmosphere. I've already scheduled a little 'enhancement' just to add to the appeal.

Did you see the red outfit on the SYTYCD guy last night? He borrowed that from me, I also have it in Magenta. I must say, the open front down to the belly button is a bigger draw on me than on a hairy black guy.

Drum Roll Please...

2010-06-11T13:02:00.001-06:00

What a rainy depressing week. Good thing we have lots on tap this weekend.

Remember last year when Devon and I were in City Chase? We're doin it again...this time Casey and I.

The goal was the same, be all trained up for it....the result was the same...Nada.

So, whatever. We can walk for 2 weeks in Europe we can walk and compete for 6 hours at home.

Will letcha know how it went.

Next on the reel of news to share...

We moved to Cochrane in December, to house sit for 7 months and to try Cochrane out. A lot closer to Casey's office, and sorta closer to mine. It has the lifestyle we're looking for. We decided to stay.

In January we started looking at houses, by Mar 9 everything was in place and they started to dig.

We're building a 2 story Semi Detached with Jayman. We've been very happy with them. Our home isn't huge, but we don't need huge. Big enough for all, small enough for us. That's Casey's motto.

They promised 110 days....they're delivering. It's been an excellent experience working with them. They provide the legal, mortgage broker and free moving van with your purchase. Nice, nice, nice.

So here's the progress...though it seems I only have up to the framing point....it's way past that now. We did our second walk thru this week, the Kitchen and Bathroom cabinets and counter tops are done. 38 days until move in.

By the time we returned from Europe...it was framed.

UPDATE - Casey sent me this one off his phone...quality...meh.

Cold and Dreary

2010-06-09T15:54:00.000-06:00

What's with this weather? Are we ever going to see the sun again? The boat has been sitting on our driveway for over a month, as yet to be used. Stupid weather.

Yesterday my mental health imitated the weather of today....today, a little better. Sleep is our friend.

I haven't been funny lately, sorry. Well, except for "the whole weekend...the W-H-O-L-E weekend" Lynn got a chuckle out of that.

Maybe it's cause nothing funny has been happening. Divorce isn't funny...and that's what's been happening.

Ya...sitting here trying to think of something funny....nada.

Jayda rubber arms....funny.
Casey imitating Jayda rubber arms...funny.
You had to be there.

Have you been watching SYTYCD? They haven't shown a single person landing on their face.
Have you seen America's got Talent? People have problems....seriously.

Ok, one thing that is funny....Wipeout - Blind Date.

In thru your nose....

2010-06-07T13:19:00.001-06:00

When experiencing excessive loss of energy, or lack of breath...always advisory to breath in thru your nose and out from mouth. Why? I dunno. That's what the smart people say.

So weekend was CRAZY. 6 of 7 children were at the house, for the whole weekend, W-H-O-L-E weekend. Why? Sometimes schedules collide. We try not to have them all too often...nice for one-on-one with the kids. So Friday night we hang out, dinner and all. Do you know that six children can go through a four litre of milk in one meal? Unbelievable. Head out to the park where general tom foolery ensues. Then we brought out the Frisbee, big hit...attracted local children from far and wide. And then the remote control car.

If you are 12, the aim of the remote control car is to do tricks.

If you are 6, the aim of the remote control car is to hit your brother.

If you are 3, the aim of the remote control car is to stand in the middle of the road, with your legs as far apart as possible and wait for the car to drive through. You don't actually explain this to anyway, it's supposed to be implied. "I'm standing here, legs stretched, with a look of anticipation....you know what to do".

This played out for 2+ hours. It was a lovely night and better to have six crazy kids outside, than inside.

Buddy of mine came over with his motorbike. This was a huge....HUGE hit. Each kid got a turn on the bike. Depending on age, that was just around the cul-de-sac...slow and easy. Or a rip roaring ride up the windy hill at break neck speeds. Okay, possibly not break neck..but fast, and they loved it. No worries about safety, they had a helmet, and a responsible driver. Did I get a turn? Not this time, for one...I have a massive noggin, the helmet would have had to be surgically removed. And another, I know what kind of ride this dude is gonna give me...need to psych myself up for that.

Funny how you can see the personality of the kids in their ride. J was apprehensive and shy, but defiantly wanted to go. While riding past me, gives a shy look of "This is pretty rad". Mr. O on the other hand, jumps on there, clings on with arms and legs around the driver and has a massive grin on his face the whole time. Princess S is unsure, but once she had a small slow ride, she was all over it. G-man was about the same. Big B was all over it from the beginning...and silent but always cool K...he thought he was too cool initially, though he wanted to go, but didn't want to show everyone else that. He went for a ride, loved it. Thanks bud for giving our kids a fun night.

Saturday we had plans for Calaway Park. We live close and bought passes. Rainy and cold in the morning. But the sun broke out long enough to head out for a while. Love the passes thing, don't have to feel pressured to stay all day and get your money's worth. Big kids can go off on their own, little ones with us. Fun.

Sunday afternoon...hanging out. Went to a park and threw the Frisbee with all. Love having the kids all old enough to play, no strollers or diapers anymore.

How was your weekend?

Sound track of my life....

2010-06-04T09:07:00.001-06:00

Since I can't come up with unique posts lately...I'll copy my girl C...
1. Open your music library.

2. Put it on shuffle.

3. Press play.

4. For the first question, type the song that’s playing.

5. When you go to a new question, press the Next button.

6. Tag other people to do it too!

7. And cause I rock the everlasting town, I've linked some so you can download them. If you want one that isn't linked, let me know.

IF YOUR LIFE WAS A MOVIE, WHAT WOULD THE SOUNDTRACK BE?

1. Opening Credits: In This Life - Collin Raye
2. Waking Up: Crawl - Breaking Benjamin
3. First Day at School: If Today was your Last Day - Nickelback
4. Falling in Love: Senorita - Justin Timberlake
5. Losing Virginity: All I want is You - U2 (Bahhaha)
6. Fight Song: My Name is Rock - Kids rock
7. Breaking Up: Come Away with Me - Nora Jones
8. Prom: All That I'm asking for - Lifehouse
9. Life: Livin' on the Edge - Aerosmith (again, bahaha)
10. Mental Breakdown: Black Velvet - Alannah Myles
11. Driving: Till I Find You - Yiruma (really, I'm not rigging this...)
12. Flashback: Forgiven - Skillet
13. Getting Back Together: Bossy - Kelis Ft. Too Short
14. Wedding Night : Should I stay or should I go - The Clash (LOL)
15. Birth of Child: The Face - RyanDan
16. Final Battle: Tell Me - Groove Theory
17. Death Scene: Stickwitu - Pussycat Dolls (who put that on there?!!)
18. Funeral Song: Ticks - Brad Paisley

Oh, that was funny.... I tag Michelle, Malauney, Casey and Bobbi

Nickelback

2010-06-01T10:20:00.000-06:00

This morning, I am struck by the blatantly obvious realization, I may be getting too old for Monday night rock concerts. I mean, I can rock it out with the best of them, scream my face off, keep a beat and sing along to just about every song. But the ringing ears, the headache, the deathly tired....uuuuuuggghghh.

It was awesome though. I have been a fan of Nickelback for a while. Lost 20 pounds to their vibe, running it off and groovin. The shoes haven't hit the pavement for a while, but I'm geared up again.

I'm amazed by the people that bring their children. Like little kids...6-7 girls. Crazy. The tickets aren't cheap...the lyrics are not innocent, Chad Kruger shouldn't kiss his grandmother with that mouth, and is buzzed by the end of the show from shots on stage. Not surprising, but not a show for kids.

Anyway, always cool to see bands live. To be a part of the party. Second hand weed high was a new experience. At one point Chad says...."is there 5 pounds of weed sitting on a burner somewhere in here?" You get a security pat down before entering the Saddledome, guess they don't look for joints.

Had to steal google pics...someone, who shall remain nameless, but is not me...can't find our point and shoot camera.

Dear Saskatchewan, you have bad roads...

2010-05-28T08:56:00.000-06:00

Like really....do the road people not get any money in Sask. Makes me grumble a little less when I'm sitting in slow traffic due to construction. At least they're fixing them.

So anyway, look to Bobbi's blog for a re-cap of our weekend in Regina.

We had big plans of amazing photo shoots, it rained. That's okay. Lots of laughs and catching up with family and friends.

I'm sitting here trying to think of witty stuff. I'm comin' up with nothin. Haven't done a top 10 in a while, but can't think of anything stupid I've seen. Uhhh...ya, I'm boring today.

Rome Day 2

2010-05-27T09:58:00.002-06:00

This catch up is hurting my brain. Rome is all mixing together. What did we do which days....?!!? Okay, focus.

Day Two. Plan today was to see the Vatican and St. Peter's Square, which is not square at all. We had booked tours with Angels Tours before leaving for Europe. Recommended by my aunt and uncle. I also recommend them, but not Alex...more to come on that later. You can pay before you leave home, make sure and bring your PayPal receipt. Also they say to look for a yellow umbrella. This is a falsehood. Look for a off white umbrella with angel babies on it. Cause you know, that's close to yellow.

Up and out to meet at the Vatican Museum steps at 9 am. Not long to get there, subway is always faithful. Get to the Vatican join the throngs of others walking in the same direction. Get a little turned around and end up in from of St. Peter's Cathedral, this is not the right end....head back around to the other side. Walk past the long.....long line of people starting to wait for entry. They are not happy to watch us walk past the line. Too bad so sad, we paid for a tour.

Here's what I know about the Vatican. The Pope lives there, it's an independent state within the city boundaries of Rome. It has completely seperate everything, police, government, laws, finances. Why? I dunno. It has approx 800 residents, mostly nuns and stuff. It's surrounded by a big wall, which makes it very handy to know that you're still actually near the Vatican. There is a mondo museum that holds a lot of old stuff. With Museum entry fees alone, Vatican City makes approx 66 million Euro per year.

There is tight security in the Museum....airport like. Take off your bag and junk, go through the metal detectors and all that. Then get herded into a big area where everything seems to stop. Tip 1 - go potty first. The Vatican Museum is 7 miles long, and there are not washrooms along the way. The problem with this, one bathroom, thousands of women. You do the calculations. So we all took our tinkle and then got back into the herd. They only let through a few groups at a time, spaceing them out...so you wait some more.

First area of visiting is a court yard area where they've set up different stations. This is where tour guides take their peeps to talk about the Sistine Chapel. There are detailed pics of the paintings and stuff. You aren't supposed to talk or take pics in the Chapel, so they do all the history stuff before hand. Gianni is our tour guide, he's excellent. That's him on the left...

Then you head in, and spend the next three hours looking at stuff. Interesting, tonnes of history, lots of broken stuff, lots of weird stuff...

You know, like a hallway of heads...

And the maxin some relaxin god.

Somewhere in the maze of museum you end up at the Sistine Chapel. If you are an art history major, I'm sure this is very exciting. If you are not, like me, this is a rectangle room, with a lot of paintings, that is jammed full of people, and is hot. The guards spend all their time yelling and clapping for everyone to be quiet. And "No Photo" is being yelled constantly. Now, it seems that "No Photo" in Italian doesn't compute, cause everyone is secretly taking photo's. Why No Photo? Because some Japanese company was smarty marty and put a phopyright on the paintings when they offered to clean them all for free. Did we take pictures in the Sistine Chapel, against copyright laws and at the demand of the Vatican? That's for me to know and you to not.... = ) In the mean time, you can, again, find anything on the internet. This is the Sistine Chapel.

The tables and stuff aren't in there, it's a big empty room. You come in through that door on the right.

This is the other end. Not sure why there are gates, but again we're herded through them. Like shoulder to toe touching of the people around you. Yuck.

Outside again. You can pay to take an elevator to the top of St. Peter's Cathedral, which apparantly has an amazing view of Rome. But the line is 2 hours long. So you can also get a pic online...

Around the front of St. Peter's Cathedral where they show you a giant door. It's the Holy Door and only the Pope goes through it. OR, it's opened every 25 years. OR, if the church is short on cash then they let the common folk pay a fee and they can walk through it and all their sins are forgiven. So, which ever is needed at the time...that's what it's used for. This was only the opinion of our tour guide, who is not Catholic, and we could make the decision ourselves on how we felt about this.

So, we're not Catholic looking for our sins to be forgiven, though that is a nifty way to get it done quickly. AND it's not the 25th anniversary....AND I'm not the Pope, so we had to go through Door #2.

Uh, see the people at the bottom, k, now think about the size again.

This curtained off part, this is where they've written the names of other churches on the floor. They've measured, and this is how big your church is, and your church is....and neener neener, we're the biggest in the world.

They wouldn't let me stand in the middle of the alter and put my arms over my head...

"SHE-RA Princess of Power"

It's big, that's all you can say. We've seen a lot of church by this time, and this place takes the cake for size. And then there's the side parts, and the this part and the that part. It's just big. There's statues everywhere and paintins, sculptures and gold. They say that there is a piece of the Cross of Christ there. Though you can't see it, and no one can see it to verify, just take our word for it. There's also a wax dead pope. The story goes that they had to open his coffin after 40 years of death. Why? That's a very good question. When they did, they found him perfectly preserved...so they poured wax on him and displayed him in the church. Huh? Whatever. Not my pic, cause of course I can't seem to remember the flash drive from home...but ya, that's the dude.

Outside we go. Have you seen Angels and Demons? We did right before we left. It's necessary for some history on the Vatican and everything. It make St. Peters look bigger than it is, but it's still pretty impressive. It was the week after Easter, so the Pope had left his chairs out. You can't sit on them, there's gates everywhere. That Pope guy is not always accomodating. But he was in-house. His window is the top one, left building, third from the right. He waved to me. These are our pics...

See...told ya...I was there.

Rome

2010-05-20T11:17:00.000-06:00

Finally right? Well the magnificent Ms. M reminded me that I still haven't posted about this magical place. Sorry...well not really, she reminded me while booking me in to have a cavity filled. Not nice lady. Fine, I guess it's not your fault that I have a cavity. Is it your fault I have two!?!! (thank you parents for the DNA that provides me the the joy of having soft teeth prone to cavities : P )

Okay, so here is where I started the story about Rome. We arrived to crazy Termini, met Emily, stayed at the hostel....la la la, go back and read that part.

What day is it? Uh, I don't know..Wed maybe. Anyway, we're up and gone first thing. I get the unique pleasure of showering in the co-ed bathroom. Casey had already tried this adventure the night before, alone mind you, and reported that the door didn't close or lock and the water was cold. Great...looking forward to it. So I head that way, towel and shampoo in hand. Now, the thing about co-ed hostels...they're co-ed. So there's a dude in there, in his underwear. Now I'm not a shy girl, but I haven't met this guy, though I did sleep in the same room as him. So I give him a minute to actually go into one of the shower stalls before I barge in. There are three stalls. Casey has already informed me that the end one is shower of terror. So I try the first one. He obviously had luck against him, cause the door closes AND locks, and the water is hot. Though it tends to fluctuate constantly. BUT it's not very big, so clothes go over the door. Now, getting out of the shower is again a little dicey. First of all, dude sharing the facilities with me is now finished his shower and brushing teeth or whatever. Anyway...blah blah blah....co-ed showers....meh.

We're off. Goal this morning is to find our bed and breakfast. We're not too worried, we have the address, the map and the confirmation page from my booking. WRONG! We have the old address, and incomplete map and the confirmation page that I didn't print off page two that has the detailed directions. Seriously. We spend about two hours, carrying our backpacks, trying to find this place. We're tired after a terrible night sleep, we're hungry and quickly loosing our patience with each other. Finally give up and find an internet cafe. If nothing else, I can look up the B&B website and see if there are directions on there. Sarah is her name, hostess extrodinaire is her game. I email her to say we're running late, being completely lost in Rome. She emails right back, with the PDF map and directions. We find it no problem. Hot, sweaty, hungry and frusterated....we find our lovely B&B. 3 blocks from the Coloseum.

Gulliver's Lodge Rome - highly recommended. 115 Euro per night, worth every cent. Click on the Gallery, the first pic of the yellow room...that's the one we stayed in. Fabulous.

Sarah has done this for a while. She promptly sits us down with the map of Rome and starts to lay out our routes, short cuts, restaurant suggestions. She, quite frankly, rocks!

We're off. Our goals today are...walk our legs off.

So, short and sweet...here's what we saw.

We wander up toward the grocery store that Sarah has told us about. It's in the basement of a department store, we'd never find it on our own...but it's where all the locals go. It's called SMA. No, that isn't short for anything....just Sma. Across the street is this church. Not mentioned by anyone, as it's apparantly insignificant. This place is huge... We grab a truly Italian lunch. Tomotoe, cheese, baquette. Sit on the steps and watch the people mill around this place. Including a nun in crocs. Here's the inside.

I know you've seen all these pics on FB already....patience is a virtue.

We've eaten, which is significantly helped my irritation level, we're no longer carrying our packs...and we're in Rome! Time to cheer up.

We are professional walkers by this time. We're heading toward the Bone's church. We've been cautioned by Sarah to not call it this to the Priest, he doesn't appreciate it.

This is the creepiest place I've ever been. In the basement of a church they've made decor out of the bones of 4000 monks. You're not supposed to take pictures...uh, you can find anything on the internet. And I have a question....at what point did someone day..."Hey, I have a good idea".

I know right? I can't make this stuff up!

So that was gross, and weird and distrubing...and cool.

Next we're on our way to a corner of the city that has a church (shocking) that contains one of the first Michelangelo sculptures. On our way, we fall up this...

This, my lovelies, is Trevi Fountain. And as all points of interest and history in Rome, it is in the middle of a residential area. Turn a corner, Oh...here it is! We weren't even looking for this yet.

Anyway, Trevi Fountain is fed by Aquaducts...Roman made irrigation systems. It's on the end of a building, nothing important around, it's just there. It's pretty loud, the water and all...and very crowded. I have a video, not with me of course...that would be too conventient. All of the sculpture dudes are buff and glorious. We resort to the wonderful land of Youtube.

This one is almost exactly what my video looks like.....this one shows the surrounding area and churches, and crowds...with a Blair Witch sorta quality. Gravol is suggested.

Next....the Spanish steps. History, there was Spanish people, there was fighting, after the fighting, they built steps. Rome History 101

We're working our way toward the south? (I don't remember) end of Rome. We have a plan for the basic sights we want to see.

This part was a main enterance for the rural settlers when they came to Rome for taxes and smushing. So the ruler at the time wanted it spruced up. "Look how powerful and wonderful we are"...and all that. It has three church in the one square, which is acutally a circle. Fountains at each end, and in the middle. Two of the churchs are matchy matchy...and called the twin churches. Bad Michael Jackson impersonator, with very limited variety, blasts from the one end. Flower selling leeches at the other, birds pooping everywhere, ahhh Rome. These aren't our pics, forgive the quality.

I sat on the steps of the fountain the middle for a while, Casey took a thousand pictures of European women (there seems to be a consistent pattern of behavior here). Then he came to sit and people watch with me. There's an American brother and sisters...late teens early 20's in front of us. Dude totally gets pigeon pooped. So funny. Right in his hair. He goes to wash off his hair in the fountain, with a sister that is not helpful cause she's laughing her face off. Totally gross, even grosser cause that's the same fountain people are filling up their water bottles in. Ewwww.

Day is nearly done and we're sorta heading home, sorta looking for the street that Sarah said the good restaurants are on. Everyone is out walking, streets are packed, it's amazing. Rome is loud, and fast. While trying to find the restaurant....we, again, fall upon this... (it's not that we're bad with maps...it's just that you think Rome is going to be bigger, and that the big famous places will be in more prominent areas)

This isn't our pic, there was scaffolding all over the one side when we were there, seems the old stuff keeps falling apart. It was also evening, and not as warm as this shows. Always the case with pics of Rome, if you think it's big...you're right. And then look at the people and make the comparison again. That's big! We had to wait to go in, they were having a service. The Pantheon is just another church in Rome. It's tall, but not huge on the inside, we've seen bigger. What is impressive about it, I'm told, is the structure. I was told a lot about this, I was travelling with a Structural Engineer. This building is mind blowing, I guess. The construction, plans, ideas and follow thru are way beyond their time and it's quite simply amazing that they were able to build this. Or so I'm told....looked like a circle church to me.

See how the sides are thinker at the start of the dome, and thinner at the top. That's impressive...uh huh. And the eye at the top, it's open so the rain comes right in, and the floor is sloped so the rain runs to the sides to drain out...also impressive (whatever). Wouldn't it have been easier and cleaner to just cover the hole in the top, save on a lot of cleaning and getting rained on during church. Anyhow...the Pantheon...voila.

Imagine, if you will, what you consider a slick Italian man to look like? Tall, lean, striking....well dressed, dark, chain and chest hair....hey hey....we saw him. Sorry it's a bit blurry, we were trying not to make it completely obvious that we were taking their picture in hopes of mocking them later. They come sauntering into the Pantheon, obviously not tourists, completely scope out the joint...head back out, scope again. Me thinks that women were on their minds. So funny.

Day One Rome - finito.

You're Welcome

2010-05-13T11:40:00.001-06:00

I enjoy listening to music when I study or work. However, it cannot have words. Then I listen to the words, and don't concentrate on what I'm doing. I know, you thought I was a professional multi-tasker...I am, unless there are words, it would seem.

My favorite music to listen to is Yiruma. I first heard about him from Amy W, glad I followed up on her recommendation of awesomeness.

Here's some of his stuff, and just for you, a one day deal......a download of the sheet music as well. Music downloads to the right...

I know, you're welcome!

Kiss the Rain - Sheet Music

River flows in You - Sheet Music

You can't drain the ocean

2010-05-11T12:29:00.000-06:00

"I love the visualization of standing at the seashore looking out at the vast ocean and knowing that this ocean is the abundance that is available to me. Look down at your hands and see what sort of container you are holding. Is it a teaspoon, a thimble with a hole in it, a paper cup, a glass, a tumbler, a pitcher, a bucket, a wash tub, or perhaps you have a pipeline connected to this ocean of abundance? Look around you and notice that no matter how many people there are and no matter what kind of container they have, there is plenty for everyone. You cannot rob another, and they cannot rob you. And in no way can you drain the ocean dry. Your container is your consciousness, and it can always be exchanged for a larger container."

'You Can Heal Your Life - Louise Hay

Try to fit that in....

2010-05-10T12:21:00.001-06:00

Goal for the day: fit this in to a conversation.

BY THE POWER OF GREYSKULL!

(Let me know how you were able to fit that into your day)
(...and not just saying it...yelling like duder did, with the arms over your head and everything)

One day at a time...

2010-05-10T09:03:00.004-06:00

Thanks Karen for the reminder that life is just one day at a time...

Last week was a little crumby...verging on pretty crumby...and ending with definately crumby.

Why? Many reasons, many situations and ending with stuff that I can't control.

Anyway, new week, though it looks to play out the same as last.

This is the book I'm currently reading. Why? Well I have some stuff rumbling around the noggin and this is teaching a mind set that will foster those to be come reality. Basically is states that if you think it, it will happen. Now, we've heard this before. The Secret says to just think positively and throw it out to the universe and the universe will return it back to you. Who is 'the Universe' anyway? I get the concept. Mr. Napoleon throws in a slightly different perspective that I appreciated more fully. If you want something bad enough, if you think about it all the time and put all your energy and resources into making it happen...it will. This is because you have made your thought process center on what you want, therefore your actions follow through, therefore the people you associate are ones that can further your goal...and so on and so on and so on... (what was that commerical that was the and so on and so on?) I agree with this. If you set your mind, energy, actions, associations and goals toward something, you are destine to accomplish it, even if only to a small point. The same is true if this was a negative goal.

Napoleon (dynamite) points out that criminals do not become criminals right away. How do they accomplish their goal...if this is even a conscious goal? They associate with a certain type of people, in certain types of situation, and put for their thoughts and actions in a certain way....and voila, jail time. They seem to be the epidomy of his research. Why then can't this happen for success? Why can't I have a goal in mind, make it a part of my daily, hourly...in fact constant thought process. Put time and energy and work into the details of that goal. Associate with people that can help that goal...make every part of me centered toward accomplishment? Well, I can...and will.

I'm still reading Mr. Dynamites book. Not sure how far into it I am cause it's on my blackberry...1/4 through maybe. Plus homework, and the pile of research books that are aimed at accomplishing what I want. Reading my eye balls right out. All good stuff though.

Step 1 - Desire.

You gotta want it. I got this one down flat.

Step 2 - Faith

Mr. Dynamite (okay, that's not his name at all, whatever) is a believing man. Beliefs are funny things, and different with every person. For me and my life at the moment, my faith will centre on the belief that I know I can do this.

So what is it? The burning question? That's for me to know, and you not too. : ) Not yet anyway....there are a bunch of beans...and I'm not quite ready to spill them.

Not today...

2010-05-09T12:38:00.001-06:00

Today I struggle. Decisions, actions and relationships have been made and affected. Would I change that? Not sure. I am closer now, than ever before, to the person I feel that I really am. I feel like I'm finally figuring out me. In that process I have hurt, I have hurt others, and I have gained relationships that I will always be grateful for.

Friends have returned, though they were never lost. It's been funny to me that high school friends are the ones that have been brought into my life. Michelle, Tara, Judith, John....you have made a difference in my life. I look forward to those relationships continuing.

New friends, also....you guys rock.

Friends from a different life, I miss you....thanks for the memories.

Friends that never left, just needed a minute...thank you for seeing me.

To the mom's in my life.

My own mother, I love you...we'll figure it out.

To the mother that has stepped in when I needed her, you'll never know what you mean to me.

To the other mothers....Marilee, I miss you.

And to all the mom's that I watch and admire and wish I could have pulled it together enough to emulate, keep it up, don't give up, it's tough...but it can be done.

Mother's Day for me is not celebrated today, it's not my day.....soon though.

To the rest of you, I'm thinking of you today.

I been a learnin...

2010-05-06T11:11:00.000-06:00

14 years. That's how long it's been since I was in school. That's crazy. First of all, that I can even post a number like that...and second...cause it's just crazy.

Work has asked/required that I take some courses. Funny enough, I've taken these before...the first time I was in college. It seems the concepts didn't stick. So I'm taking two courses by correspondance through SAIT. I chose correspondance because I didn't want to be sitting in night classes during the summer, and because work is in the slow season so I have time while in the office.

These are not exciting classes however...accounting and computers. And the computer one is a required course for the certificate and is going to be a good GPA booster for me. Seriously, the first line said...push the button to turn on the monitor. Okay then....

Have you ever felt that your current job was not allowing you to be what you are capable of. That's me, in a serious way. Big plans in the works, stay tuned!

What the HECK is up with the weather?!!! It's getting past irritating. Last year we were on the boat for May long weekend. It was chilly, yes...but still...warm enough to be out. Mother Nature better get her act together.

Saw Furry Vengeance last weekend with the kids....don't waste your money. Really, the kids even thought it was bad. Little man and his side kick were losing interest and starting to fool around 3/4 thru.

Well, that's my boring update. Sorry dude.

I do have another big announcement, but need pics for that...and they're at home.

Have a great day.....smoochy smoochy.

We take a break from our regular programming...

2010-04-23T10:32:00.000-06:00

I know, all ~~two~~ of you are waiting to hear about Rome. Sorry...I usually blog at work (hee hee) and we just had way too many pics to fit on the flash drive. So I don't have any Rome pics here to give you every minute detail of the experience. Soon...

In the meantime, we take a break from our regular programming, and bring you....

Mr. O turns 6!!

He had his birthday while I was in Europe and he was on a trip to Utah with his dad. So we celebrated when all the trips were done. Six years old....crazy.

So..to see how the gorgeous Mr. O has progressed in his gorgeousness....see previous posts simliar to this...

Turning 4

Seems he didn't turn 5, cause I didn't blog about it.

He can't seem to keep his shirt on...but you know, when you have muscles like those...

Here's his actual birthday party....though now I notice we didn't take any of him eating cake....huh...

Ya ya, he got his gifts in Superstore bags....we just got back from Europe....give me a break.

J was pretty excited that Mr O recieved 2 light sabers...every dude needs an opponent.

G man was excited too...or silly, one of those.

Boys + Lego =

Not sure if he forgot it was his birthday, was taken by surprise that is was his birthday....

Way to dedicate yourself to the role play...

Whereas J hasn't learned that dedication yet...

Oh, there you go...he's catching on...

Now...here's what happens when pictures then get photoshoped...

Lovely....

I'm not sure who had more fun, the actors, or the producer who twiqued the photo.

Nifty

2010-04-21T15:10:00.001-06:00

Have you seen these? They're are pretty nifty...put them in the washer, then transfer them to the dryer and everything comes out fresh and clean. Not sure what the price comparison is to detergent, softener and dryer sheets...but they sure are handy. We bought them to take on our trip. Throw a couple in a ziplock bag and you're set, would be great for camping too. No, I don't get paid by Purex, I just thought they were smarty pants for this new invention. Here's where you can learn more... Purex complete 3 in 1 Laundry Sheets

On a Monday such as this....

2010-04-19T09:53:00.000-06:00

Maybe it would have been better to get stuck in Europe...at least I wouldn't be at work. The sun is shining, and I'm at my desk. Have a few things on the list...but certainly not enough to keep me busy all day....oh the perils of the down season. I know, I know....you're thinking, wasn't this just the girl complaining about being SO busy. Whatever, picky picky.

ANYWAY, so I've decided what will help me through this dismal monday....a little Gaby. Mr Sellanes was on the steps of the Catalunya Art Museum, playing a mean Spanish guitar. We bought his CD.

Enjoy...

La Cumparsita

Hotel California

Killing Me Softly

Nice is nice....

2010-04-18T19:26:00.000-06:00

So Nice is more touristy...as I pointed out before. We were very comfortable there, though they are quick to scam a jacket that is left behind, as we unfortunately found out. They are also early to bed...that city shuts down at 9pm. Not big partiers I guess, at least not where we were.

This is Castle Hill where we spent the morning. It's an old Castle (duh) that has been made into a park...still has some Roman ruins. Very nice view's of the city.

From the hill you can look down into the Cemetery where we spent some time. Unbelievable the tributes and displays that they do for their dead. Huge and expensive.

On the Jewish side many of the tombs had rocks on them...in what I've read this may have many reasons and symbols, both simple and relative to religion. But the basic idea is obvious, that is shows that you visited.

We did most of the planning for our trip from the Rick Steeves' travel books. Excellent info and planning guides. In Nice we tried to find one of the restaurants that he had recommended, and ran into other people, book in hand, that were trying to do the same. We didn't get to eat where we had planned, but wandered down to find a different place. If it's full of locals and tourists, it's a good place. Go to walk in and an American couple are doing the same. They say they ate there last night and are back it was so good. It was funny, at the end of our meal the same guy came to find me and make sure we had enjoyed it. Didn't want to made a recommendation that didn't fulfill.

Dinner in Europe is a serious affair. It starts around 8, and they look at you funny if you show up before that. Menu's are posted on the outside so you know the basic plan and prices...when you're seated, it's right next to another couple. Like right next to them. They pack everyone in, to what usually is a very small restaurant, and once it's full...they don't take any more for the evening. There is no waiting list, they do take reservations...once you start you're in it for a couple hours. They don't bring the bill until you ask for it, and are very surprised if you take less than 2 hours...and don't order dessert. This particular night we were seated by a Finish and Swedish couple. It's a bit uncomfortable trying to keep a conversation going with strangers, but also interesting. We had a very nice meal and headed home for the slow walk in France air.

It's now Thursday...I think, we have a very early train 5:22am to start our all day journey to Rome. We have been very impressed with the transportation systems of Europe. Always on time, always fast...we've used them all. Wouldn't you know, the one day we're up at 4:30 to catch the train...all goes to hell. Train station is five minutes away, and we've ridden them enough to know you don't need to check in, you don't need to have bags checked...you just get on. Even so, we are 20 minutes early. We knew there was a France train strike, but we had checked our train the night before...it was still running. Today however, they decided to leave early...we missed the train by 3 minutes. Now have to wait 3 hours for the next one, and will mean us missing two more connections. Lovely. Nice is no longer nice. It's no 6am. We decide to hop on the tram and head down to the bus station. We're transferring in Ventimile Italy, which is only a 40 min train ride. Waiting for 3 hours for a 40 minute ride. Dumb. There are lots of people at the bus depot, which isn't actually open...so even if we had been able to see a schedule that showed buses to Italy, we wouldn't have been able to buy a ticket. Casey did ask a bus driver, with limited English, if there were buses to Italy. We said, maybe...but maybe not. We decided to stay with the trains. Took the tram back, and waited. Now, the problem with missing a train is other people miss the train too...lots of them. We discovered that this particular train is used for travel and commuting. The platform was full, only to discover that the train was already full. Imagine the C-Train in rush hour...now add in people with luggage, and a guy who keeps trying to fall over from a hang over (oh wait, that IS what the C-Train is like) So we didn't get a seat for about 1/2 hr. Standing in the stair well...cause lucky us, this packed packed packed train is also a double decker. Good thing they all got off in Monaco.

Even the train stations are fancy.

We arrive in Ventimile, which is now in Italy. We check the schedule and there is a train we can take. We double check that we can use our existing tickets. Sorta. We can use the Ventimile to Genoa ticket, but have to get a new Genoa to Rome ticket. Why? Because we will miss that train, and if we wanted to get a new ticket we had to do that in France, not here, cause now you're in Italy. Of course, no one mentioned that while we were still in France. Fortunately there is a travel agency in the train station....103 Euro later we're set.

Next adventure, something to eat. We have no Italian.....NONE. We have a nice Italian/English dictionary, somewhere in one of our backpacks. Casey send me to get some breakfast. Casey is always sending me to ask the strangers questions, get directions....chicken. I find out, in a stern manner, that you don't order then pay....you pay then order. Customer Service is not high on their priorities.

We finally work it out. Euro is a good motivator.

A further discovery in Italy, toilet seats are not necessary. And in the boys....toilets are not necessary. Hole in the ground is good enough. And flushing mechanisms are not necessary either....pull the string. Welcome to Italy.

Onto the next train, which is a couple hours. Though I don't get motion sickness, I discover I don't like the feeling of riding backwards in a train. Note to self. Can't help it this time as our seats are assigned and it's a full house. This is not my photo, but yup...that's it. Good thing trek taught me to be a good squatter. (too much info?!)

Transfer trains in Genoa for the final part, but a six hour ride. Fortunately it's not too full, and we take up a whole seat section. Which is two seats facing each other with a table situation in the middle. Not enough room to stretch out, but enough to uncomfortably set up a sorta sleeping situation and I zonk out. Casey stayed awake to be more and more irritated with the lady across the aisle who did a gross snorty throat clearing thing after every sentence. You know, like the one's boys do to clear their nose out and the swallow it. Hee hee...you're welcome.

I sleep for a bit, soundly I'm told as there were train stops and people bonking into my head as they walked by, and I didn't wake up. Give a girl a break...we've been up since 4:45. I awake from my beauty sleep and we spend a while reading up on Rome courtesy of Mr. Steeve's. As we're lumbering on our way through the Italy country side, we notice a definite change in scenery. Very green, very lush. Lots of vineyards and ocean almost always in site. We also decide that Italy is generally more affluent than France. I personally found that as we saw nicer buildings, there was less laundry hanging out to dry on the balconies. True or not, it was my observation.

Pictures? No...but here's video of what it looks like to ride a train...be careful...it's overwhelming!! (okay, no)

Riding the Train

So, the big arrival in Rome. First impression....freak there are A LOT of people there. Termini is the central station for trains, buses, taxi's and subway. Good thing we warmed up to European public transportation in Barcelona, cause otherwise we'd have been in trouble. In fact it has an entire shopping center above, it reminds us way more of an airport than a train station. Next good thing, unlike France....Italy is more like Barcelona and has a lot of English. In face all announcements and signage is in Italian and English. We'll be okay. We find our subway, and get going. As we're waiting a mohawked girl passes by and say's hi. I guess we look North American. She's a backpacker like us, though looks far more experienced, and is getting on our train.

All ticket centres are automated, not our pic as there was no way we were taking out our camera in this pickpocket gold mine. It's very user friendly.

We love Termini!

We arrive at our stop, head up to ground level, run into the same girl again. Get talking to her, she's headed to the same hostel as us. Her name is Emily, she's from New Hamshire and is on a 1 year travel experience in Europe. She's been travelling for 10 months, 5 of those she's just spent in Greece. This is the first time she's been totally on her own, so she's feeling a bit overwhelmed by the size and complexity of Rome, as are we...and can she walk with us. Sure doodle. It's a bit of a walk, but we find the place.

Unlike our last Hostel experience, this is the real deal. 3 single beds, one already inhabited by a 17 year old boy from North Dakota. And a bunk bed, guess what was ours? I don't remember the last time I actually slept in a bunk bed. And lucky me, I get the top...it can't actually be categorized as a bed...more like a mattress hammock. Seriously, I couldn't even use a pillow as my head was already up so high that it would kill my neck.

So I'm in the boys room, cause the other is an all girls room. And registering as a couple means you get boys room I guess. It's an odd situation. We sorta feel like parents that have crashed the party. Casey heads to take a shower, where the door doesn't close, the water never gets hot...there's cold and colder...and the stall isn't big enough to change in so you have to go out into the main bathroom area. Lucky lucky boy. I choose to wait.

Time for sleeping, except it's like 9pm....whatever, we're tired and there's clearly nothing to do. You can hang out in the main area where there's a TV and 10 teenage girls. Or get out our books. We chose the later. Mr. North Dakota decided it was time to sleep and put the blanket over his head. One room, one light, last guy asleep turns it off....the rest have to suffer. Upon sleep there were three of us in the room. During the night two more arrived, as quietly as possible they went to bed. I feared an episode of 4 men snoring but it wasn't too bad. I can't make a single move on my mattress hammock without an obscene amount of screeching and squeaking. Something tells me WD40 is not a European invention. Sometime in the night I awake and need to use the facilities....so I lay there for at least 20 minutes figuring out how to remove myself from this mattress hammock. Not only am I encased like a butterfly, but it's super squeeky, and it's a fair ways down...and I'm not as agile as you may thing. Nothing to be done about, just take the plunge and sorta half fall half climb out. Likely it wasn't as loud as I thought, but still. Why did we choose to stay here? The experience for one...but also because I had miss booked our B&B by one day. They couldn't take us the extra night, and the thing about hostels...they're cheap. And if you book in advance, they're very cheap. Emily found out that if you don't have a reservation...not so cheap. We asked if she wanted to go for dinner with us...she said no, because she had just paid more to stay the night than she had planned. So we took her for dinner anyway, on us.

Hostel Photo's....not ours.

Nice

2010-04-14T05:58:00.001-06:00

Up Tuesday morning for breakfast, and a quick walk around before we head out to Nice. Gotta say, Marseille on a regular business day feels very different. What looked like an abandoned warehouse yesterday is a Levi's store today. We didn't know we were right around the corner from a big multi level mall. Casey had to buy some new shoes his feet were really causing him grief. Head out to Go Sport, Europes version of Sport Check.

We're pretty done with Marseille at this poing. Experienced it, but did not enjoy it. Ready to head out. Load up, walk the 10 minutes to the trains station, validate our tickets and we're off. As intenet savvy as we are, it doesnt't cease to amaze me that we can buy train tickets for Europe at home, they're shipped to use FedEx in two days, we show up in Europe, scan them on their machines and the bar code is recognized. We've never had a problem. Technology, it's nifty.

2.5 hours to Nice. Nice ride in a newer train...view of the ocean and country side all the way.

While on the train we met Mataise and Gaìa (pronounced guy-ya) They are 4 and 6, speak French and Italian, no English. They're travelling only with their mom, and she's a bit overwhelmed trying to wrangle the two of them with no seats left. We are sitting in four seats, two seats on each side facing each other. We, like everyone else, were in no real rush to move over. They're a bit close together and you end up touching knees with the stranger across the way. We're spread out and planning a nice ride, maybe a nap and reading. But we feel sorry for her when she finally finds only two seats, put the kids in them, then stands behind. Not sure where she plans to get off, but if she's going all the way to Nice, she can't do that for 2.5 hours. So I signal for her to come sit with us. We then spend the next couple hours playing with the kids. 4 & 6 year olds are the same no matter then language they speak. They like to draw, play video games on your blackberry, pretend that a box is everything from a space ship to a garage to a race track. They have grubby hands, smell like outside and are amazed by magic tricks.

About 20 minutes into our time wit Mataise and Gaia, Casey is talking to Mataise with limited but decent French. This conversation is in French of course, and Mataise looks an awful lot like the kid off Stewart Little, complete with the round glasses.

Casey - What's your name?

'Mataise'

Mataise?

Oui

I'm Casey

Que....what?

Casey

Mataise then gives him a very distinct look that says...'Whatever dude, that is not a name.'

Siblings are also the same in Italian French, or any other language. Being 6, Gaia caught on to the game I showed her on my Blackberry. Mataise was getting frusterated that it was his turn and she was no remembering, conveniently, that is was his turn. So we work out that he wants to play next. Gaia then spend all her time instructing him, and he spend all his time purposely doing it wrong so she will be irritated with him. Then momo tells her to leave him alone, he gives her a 'ha ha, go away' look and she give him a 'buzz off you're dumb' look.

We all got off in Nice, and continued on our journeys.

In Nice we are staying two nights at a hostel, our first experience. This turns out to be a regular type home for those of Europe, apartment building that is cold and stone, couple floors up, all tile. Brigette is our hostess. Though she's listed on the Hostel World website, it's actually her home that she rents out rooms. Shared bathroom, but that's fine because we never saw the other people. We're right next to the train track, but a train strike means that it's pretty quiet at night.

As always we head out to get our bearings, find the major streets and subway system...walk around and get a feel for it all. Nice is way more touristy than Marseille, we feel very comfortable here. Unfortunately we started by accidently leaving Casey's new jacket on a railing, and it was not there when we returned. Some guy has very nice, very new jacket.

Nice is right on the ocean and has a 4 mile beach, which is rocky but beautiful. A long boardwalk all the way along, we enjoyed some time there and a fantastic dinner in a side cafe off the main area on the way home.

The start of the pics....

2010-04-14T05:01:00.000-06:00

Walking down Las Rambla in Barcelona, just the regular run of the mill architecture that you find on every street.

Street signs are on the sides of the building....all over Europe.

Residential streets, watch out for a bus....they will go down these and not watch for you.

Bakery, the outside will never tell you the quality of the inside. In fact, if you don't know what the store is, when it's closed, you'd never know what they sell. Big metal doors pulled down over the store fronts, graffiti on everything.

Marseille

2010-04-11T05:25:00.002-06:00

We started our adventure in Marseille on Monday morning. We're on Europe time now, sleeping at night is fine. Got up and headed out for some breakfast. We stayed in a regular hotel, so no free food like the last time. Looking for a bakery for pastry, decided on McDonalds instead. Easy, cheap and not likely to be scammed. You have never had McDonalds like in France. 1.20€ for Hot Choc and a pastry combo. Pastry bag has three different kinds in it. Plus, as we've noted all around, portion sizes are significantly smaller. Ordered a large drink, it's the size of our small. Their small is more like Dixie cup...two swallows. McDonalds is even a fancy affair, two levels of seating, above the ordering part...view of La Canabeìere. Dude there having his morning coffee with a book, looked exactly like Einstein...maybe he was!

Europeans taking eating very seriously, and are never in a rush. Though they never seem to be in a rush for anything. Enjoyed breakfast, especially the pastry that has chocolate in the middle, those are our favorite. Headed down to the port. Fish market in full swing...and stinky. We were trying to get on a boat to Cheateau D'If...Marseille version of Alcatraz, but it was mega windy and all the tours were closed. So, hoped on a bus up to Cathedral de la Garde. A striped church way up on the hill. This was a very different look and feel from the Gothic styles we had seen in Barcelona. Still interesting, but different. This church felt more like a museum, many pictures on the walls and panel of explanation all around. Where the crypt is below, there's a whole room of tall candles. The church makes money by selling the candles and you light it, make your wish or confessions, or prayer, hand it to the guy and he sets it up in the room. It's not even the room with the crypt. But everyone seemed anxious to do this. Then touch the Virgin Mary on her right foot and on you go. Sins forgiven for another day.

The drivers in Europe don't seem to realize how narrow their streets are, I know...they live there and it's all they know...whatever. They should realize that I'm in the bus, and not accustom to coming within inches of other vehicles, trees and walls. Bus driver didn't seem to have the same concerns. At one point he comes around a hairpin corner and there's another car...the car has to backup six inches to let the bus by...there are cars parked all along the sides, on both sides. Crazy.

Cathedral done, yes there are pics and a video...but how many churches can I really show you??

Take the bus back down, as hair raising as the first time...and head over to the fort. There are two forts to guard the port. Take a look, take a nap, take a kazillion more pics and off again.

It's Monday, which also seems to be a holiday, as nearly nothing is open. But we find a bakery for a baquette and panini, a stair case with a view...and enjoy some lunch.

Cathedrals that are not major tourists spots are closed on Mondays...we didn't know.

The tourists of Marseille are white, but French. We heard very little English in Marseille.

Mushroom Cheese Crepes on the boardwalk for dinner, torte for dessert....head home for the night. We've walked off our legs again, as we do everyday.

Some points about France.

Hot water is scalding in the morning, non existent at night.

There is not a need for shower doors, and the tubs are extra high. So you climb into it, then spray all over cause there's no door, then climb out...this time wet and slippery, onto always tiled floors. Nothing like death defying danger in the morning.

Buskers are of every color, language and creativity level. We heard a guitar harmonica folk version of Metallica today.

If it doesn't smell like fish, it smells like pee. Lovely.

Outdoor cafe's in downtown Marseille are for Arabic men, no women. Likely the chicks are at home doing the same thing around the kitcen table.

School is off on Wednesday.

Everywhere in Europe, there is toilet paper on the train tracks. Think about that for a second. Then consider the sign in the bathroom that says...'Use of the toilet when stopped at the station is forbidden'...ewwww.

You are not supposed to smoke in the train bathrooms, and in a nation that everyone smokes, that's a hard thing to avoid. Right beside the no smoking sign are smoke ashes in the toilet and sink. I feared that I'd come out and be accused of being the one that smoked in there. We saw and heard the ruckus from a guy that was caught, no thank you. Europeans sound worked up when they speak all the time, never named when they actually are worked up. Yikes.

When big name movie stars don't have a gig, they make very long, very tacky comercials that are shown in Europe.

Was getting ready when the cartoons were on. A cartoon about finding a condom package on the street, opening it and then discussing with all your friends what it is and how to use it. This was not a public service announcement, just a regular cartoon. Sex is viewed very differently in Europe, way more open...WAY.

Finally....

2010-04-09T13:52:00.003-06:00

So it's been a crazy week since I updated. Haven't had any good internet access. The internet cafe's change the keyboards so that you take longer to type, thus costing more Euro, and I can't go on and on about Europe if I'm pecking at the keyboard. But now we're in Rome and the very nice B&B has free access....so the trip continues for you.

So...last left off in Barcelona. We had done laundry that morning and we're planning to have a slower day of walking around, running a few errands....maybe a little shopping...and that's exactly what we did. We are very comfortable in our little section of Barcelona and wander wherever and see what we like. We ride the subway no problem. Went out for dinner and then was on Las Ramblas at night, which is totally different than during the day...but fun. Never felt leary of the crowd or the city, Barcelona is very touristy. However, we did wander too far south for a bit, and just as the guide book had said...it got into the junky and protestute section, so we wandered back. No harm done, chalk it up to experience.

Sunday morning was rainy. We were up and out fairly early to catch a 8:45 train to Marseille France. Got on our beloved subway, headed up the steps to the street...dead stop. No idea where we're supposed to go, and we've got 20 minutes to spare. Two American girls are also standing on the street looking a little lost. We had asked at our hotel where to go, and had a basic idea, but only from a subway persepctive. Once on the street in an area of the city we hadn't been to before, not the foggiest idea. Thankfully train in English is pretty close to Train in Spanish and the nice non-English speaking man that I accosted on the street pointed us in the right direction. We would have found it, another block would have shown that we were close, but had to go down and around to get to it. So, no harm done, get to the train station. American girls are from Iowa and California, but studying in Switzerland...and had taken the weekend in Barcelona. Our train was assigned seating, they were in a different car....so bye bye to the girl.

So, trains in Europe. There are lots of them, they go everywhere, are used as a commuter system by the locals, and are cheap and fairly fast. There is also security, rare tickets checks, and sometimes some questionable characters. We, being train rookies, find our car and seats and sit exactly where we should. Then otice that dude in front of us has definately gone with the European no shower rule, and I'm not smelling that for 2.5 hours...so we move. No one cares. This was an older train and tonnes of room, put your legs up on the seats facing you, spread out...no problemo. Another item to know, there is very little announcement ha the train is leaving. You are supposed to know when your train is, and if you're not on it....then too bad for you. There is an announcement, basically as it is ready to pull out. No conductor or anything you would expect...it just leaves.

Train to Marseille, uneventful. Read up on France, napped. Oh, but then I tried to get lunch. We had 2nd class tickets, which really only means that you can exchange them if you need to. First class are fancy, I guess...I didn't see those cars. Anyway, there is a lunch car, which is just a counter where you can get sandwiches, chips, pop and packaged cookies, that kind of thing. I go back to get us a sandwhich and drink. Now, Casey has been doing most of the ordering. He's much better with language than I am, even language he doesn't really know. Spanish has been pretty good, though because there are so many tourists in Barcelona, they are quick to switch to English when they hear the firt word from us. Anyway, Mr. Lunch Car was not very impressed that I didn't have any Spanish. Even the other guy, who did not have English as his first language, gave him a hard time for being such a rude dude to me. Whatever. So I get two sandwhichs, those kind that come pre packaged. Europeans take their food very seriously, so rather than just give me the two sandwhiches, he takes them to the back, removes from packaging and grills them up. Yum Mr. Rude, thanks. Grilled ham and swiss sandwhiches for lunch on the train...delightful.

Marseille France. This time we're ready. We have the address of our hotel, we've read the whole section on Marseille in our Provence and the French Riviera book. We know how to watch for pickpockets, and Casey is pretty comfortable with his French, as limited as it might be. Arrive...dumb founded again. We might have been fine if the hotel wasn't on a very small street, therefore not listed on any of the big maps. You know how they list the major streets and draw the little ones, but don't list all the names...that's where our hotel was. I can't remember how I found it...online somewhere...link from a link...not sure. So we're stuck again in a city we have not the slightest idea where to go. We'd love to take transit, if we knew where. So hail a cab. He knows where, will take us for 15€...great. We discovered later that we are supposed to be scammed at least once in every city we visit. This was Marseille. Once we had our bearings of the area later, we saw that he had driven in circles to make the trip seem longer, but really we were a 10 minute walk from the Train Station. Live and learn. Hotel is decent, nothing amazing...thank you Travelocity.

So, as always, head out to get the lay of the land. France looks like Spain...old and stone. But, as should be expected, Marseille is especially old looking...as it is the oldest city in France. It's also particularily run down, and has a different feel to it. There is a large population of African and Arabic people, so we are feeling a little out of our element, and a little intimidated. Especially when we get off track in our wandering and are the only white people on the street and starting to get looks. Head back to the more tourist area, which are small as Marseille does not attract tourists like some of the other places.

Find a lovely big church, shocking...and head in to check it out. Very nice, big, insence smelling...they all are, took lots of pics. (I really will post pics soon) And out to a cafe. We're starving, the grilled cheese is long gone. Into a grandma run cafe for pastries and hot choc. Grandma and daughter have no English, not even 'hi'. But teenage son who works the till is very excited to practise his English, Casey is just as excited to start using his French. He's been practising to himself on the train. Running phrases and questions to see if he can get us through 4 days in France. His dad would be proud, he ordered, said we didn't want to sit outside because it was too windy, talked a bit to the teenage boy, paid the bill. We will survive in France.

Day 3

2010-04-03T05:12:00.002-06:00

Where to start....wow.

So...last post we had been to Cathedral Barcelona, and Parc Güel. We had tried to visit Sagrada Familla that morning, but arrived too close to noon and the line was around the block. We suspected this would happen, Mr. Travel Book had informed us that the best time to arrive, is first thing. So change of plans and we went on.

Thursday morning we attempted the Familla again. This is Gaudi´s masterpiece, according to him. It was started forever ago and is still in construction. It´s a weird looking, huge church that is very classic Gaudi style. The book best describes it as wedding cake in the rain. That´s pretty accruate. It´s so over done and then looks like it´s melting. The whole outside of the church is depictions of the life of Christ. In a very modernistic, abstract way. Interesting, but odd. We arrived right at 9, but it was Good Friday and there was a service going on outside the church, inside the gates. So we had to wait until 10 to go in. Toured the small school that Gaudi built for the children of the workers, and the museum under the church...showing the stages, progression and construction era´s the church has been through. Sat outside the one side, where the benches have been set back so you lean back to take in the whole buiding. Then up the elevator to the top of one spire. Then you go round round round the stairs all the way down. These little stair cases are not made for the chubby, the easily dizzy or those tending to have vertigo. Wow, tight and steep. But very worth the scare. You´re way up, so also not for those afraid of heights. You finish in the main cathedral, very much under construction and covered in scaffolding. And for me, disappointing. It´s huge, and when finished will showcase surround stain glass, but really wasn´t to my liking. Very interesting, Gaudi definately had a vision far beyond his time. But we prefer the Gothic look for churches. Would not have missed it, worth the trip and the fee to enter....but not awe inspiring like Cathedral Barcelona.

We went on walk through the shops around the block. Very little was open. Good Friday is a holiday, of course, and nothing is really open. Maybe some restaurants. They eat on their holidays, not shop. We sat at a cafe in the square next to the church, had squid and fried mushrooms. Soaked up the sun, it was quite nice...and watched the locals.

Back on the subway and on to Montjuic...the Jewish Mountain. Take the subway, then transfer to the Funicular. Sort of a subway car that slowly goes up a hill, but didn´t have a view, so not that great.

At the top, that area is quite large and you basically walk where ever, seeing the gardens as you go. We wandered down through a big water fountain, that led into a Greek Garden, which had an amphitheatre. There was a 2 year old having a tantrum there because her dad was playing soccer with her brother at the bottom, the acoustics worked well. Could hear the crying all around, surround sound.

We were in no rush and wandered where our feet took us. While walking we saw a big castle looking building in the distance and decided to wander that way. It was also huge, everything seems to be huge here. Way up on another hill, so the outdoor escalators are handy. These are most everywhere, and very nice. We could hear Spanish Guitar music in the distance, and noticed a crowd. We had found the Catalan Art Museum. Outside is where Gaby is the busking king and plays a mean Spanish Guitar. It was delightful. Sit with at least 100 other people, on the front steps of the museum, in the sun and light breeze off the ocean...listening to the beautiful Spanish Guitar. This is what I wanted this trip to be. Hard to make your brain stop and enjoy the moment. Casey wandered off to take pictures and returned with an ice cream for me...what a guy. Sat there for over an hour. Gaby makes a decent living busking at the museum. Between his CD sales, which sit in his open bag for donations, he also takes tips. We suspected he makes over 300€-day. Not a bad living to do what you love, and get a tan to boot. We bought one of his CD´s...can´t wait to make dinner at home to the sounds of Catalan Spain.

Our feet are way done by this points, have walked them off our tired legs. As we head toward the subway, which I must point out...we are pro´s at by now. We find that the front area of the museum goes on for blocks and blocks, down down down in different layers of large fountains. They are not on today, as it´s a holiday, but at night they are on and lit up...we´re coming back tomorrow to see that.

Subway home, rest for 1/2 hour and then off again.

We had over heard a guy in line at Sagrada Familla say that there was a Catholic procession going on at 5 from Cathedral Augustine. It´s Easter weekend after all. So we head out to see what that´s about. OMGOSH!!!! We found the right place, there are thousands of people in the square and lining the streets. Nothing is on yet, but there is definately something about to happen. We find the best spot we can, the crowd is 5-6-7 deep in spots. Casey is ready with his camera, and we hear the drums and the crowd cheer. This processions is beyond anything I´ve ever seen, only when we upload the pictures will you be able to see the amazement that is a Catholic celebration of Easter. Costumes and drums, incense and candles, huge float type contraptions being carried by men underneath. The first one with a Christus carrying the cross, the next one of the virgin Mary. The floats, though that´s not at all what they were, but the closest I can compare them too, are wider than the space allowed by the crowds. So the police line the side and make everyone back up when it goes by. It´s quite slow, and in over an hour that we stayed, it progressed only a block. The white horses at the front are supposed to ´make way¨. But they don´t do it quickly...but this is Europe...nothing is done quickly.

When this proccession is finished we go into the church where it started. It was nothing special, big but not impressive. They were about to start their Easter Service, so we took a bench. This church was attended by what looked like mostly a Philipino congregation. All in Catalan, and very slow. No mistaking the ¨let us pray¨....they all went down on a knee. We did as well, since we had sat right in the middle and felt we should be repectful. On bended knee is ouchy, I must say...I got tired of it and slid my bottom up on the bench again. Casey toughed it out.

Walked home, had a small dinner and stayed in for the night. Our legs and feet are revolting and we cannot walk any further.

So, more points to ponder about Spain...

If you are homeless, with the cardboard sign asking for donations and Mucho Gracias...you might also have an Ipod under your blanket.

Nakedness is not a problem, it´s not illegal and can be demonstrated anywhere as long as it doesn´t cause a distrubance. Huh? How can it NOT cause a disturbance?

There are condom machine´s on the walls of the building...likely because of the ´nakedness is not a problem´

The condoms say... I love Barcelona. Alrighty then...

Peep shows are available and advertised. Though if nakedness is not a problem...why do you need to peep? Just go outside.

That being said, we have not seen any naked live people...the statues though, they are of the opinion that if you are a statue you do not need clothes. They are all...ALL in one form or another of undress.

Catalan is different than Spanish, if only slightly. We have noticed a sort of lisp on some words. C´s are Th...as well as Z. V is a B sound. So instead of Gracias por Favor...it´s Grathias por Fabor. Slight gay sounding, to be frank.

This is then accentuated by scarves. If you are European you have a scarf. I understand this, I own a few scarves myself. Quite like them, trendy fun and colorful. Everyone wears them...everyone. Old, young, men, woman. You have a scarf. Casey has a pink sparkly one now...

The temperment of the people is very even. Don´t really get excited about anything. There´s not a lot of honking or road rage, no one is in a rush, seems to always be sauntering where ever they go.

The women are very exotic looking, and very natural. Very little makeup and hairspray...they show their personality and style with their outfit. Very classic, Casey´s pretty taken with them.

They are not annoyed by our lack of language. Try hard to understand us, and help with what we need. Some have a little English, some none, we get by.

There are not distinct offices, everybuilding is 7 stories high. High enough for business at the bottom, residence at the top...but not too high that you need an elevator.

Cell phones work anywhere, even in the subway. Likely due to the mondo cell phone towers on the hills.

Condiment stations in a restaurant, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt and pepper.

Liquor, yes...anywhere anytime. Sat with a guy at Parc Güell that sat down, took off his shoes and socks, took out his sandwich and rather large bottle of wine...and settled in for the afternoon. There is red and white wine on tap in our 24 hour buffet.

There are huge road side recycling bins on every street. Garbage cans every 50 feet, constant sweeping and road cleaners. A clean city for sure.

This country has Chocolate Tree´s. CHOCOLATE TREE´s!!! More to follow on that, it needs a picture.

The climate is even and predictable. Cloud and muggy in the morning, sun comes out at 1. The breeze starts around the same time and stays just like that until 7 when the sun sets. It´s not overly humid, I´d say about 2/10 on the frizzy hair scale.

Today we´re having a slow day. It´s our last full day in Barcelona. Found a laundromat this morning and did a load. Talked for a 1/2 hour with Sabina from Montreal who was also doing her laundry. She´s on a three month sabatical, touring Europe by herself.

Home for lunch and a feet rest. Plan on some shopping this afternoon. Tonight the travel books says there might be a traditional Catalan dance in front of the Cathedral, and then we´re going to see the lit fountains at the Art Museum.

When we were looking for the laundromat this morning, it was funny how we just wander now. We have our bearings and know pretty much where we are.

Barcelona Spain - check!

Gaudi

2010-04-01T10:19:00.003-06:00

Okay, what a day...and we´re only at Siesta. These random posts are as much so I won´t forget everything, as they are to share (brag).

So we started today early and wandered down La Rambla when there were no crowds. Totally different feel than when it´s packed. Could really see the street and all it contains, rather than just the huge amounts of people. Took the side streets wandering as we wanted. We do this a lot in cities, going where ever the streets take us, discovering the hidden treasures that our camera finds. Today was an especially rewarding wander.

The ´streets´of Barcelona are very different than ours. They do have the main roads that are crowded with small cars, tour buses, but mostly scooters. Everyone seems to have a scooter. The cars are small here so the side streets are narrow, like, back alley narrow. Doesn´t seem to stop anyone from driving down. It´s not wide enough for two way traffic, so you better hope that no one is coming the other way. You´d never know till they were right on top of you, constantly twisting and turning. It´s like the streets were built around the buildings. Likely there were as some of these building date back to the Roman era.

In our walking today we came upon a Cathedral. We were planning to find this tomorrow, but since we came upon it today, bonus. It was beyond amazing. Huge...HUGE. Can´t even describe how unbelievable it was. You´ll have to wait for the pictures. It´s an operating Cathedral, so there were petitioners there. We didn´t have to be told to whisper, the awesomeness of the scene causes you to be respectful of it´s history. Take as many pictures as you like, but no flash. This was no problem as the lighting was perfect. All around the edges are various confessionals to the different saints. Laid with gold, they are all different. Each has a gate in front so you don´t get too close. You can leave your alms, and you can light a candle for the saint that you pray to. They´ve updated this process inside. You put in your coin to the electric candle and one lights up. A bit contradictory to the age of the building, but it´s handy and less prospect of fire. Also, is the addition of the flat screen TV´s on the columns that block your view. That´s just smart thinking. No one wants to go to church and not see the front.

As any catheral in Europe, they are built for a particular person, or are the resting place of a person and usually his family. This one was the same. Though his name is not one I remember....he died in 1058. A day or two ago. His tomb is inside on a huge wall, his name and that of his family with him. Everyone else that chooses to be burried there, they are under the church. If they had enough money they have their ´tomb stone´ scribed into the floor. But there will be hundreds of skulls, as they take less room than the whole skeleton, under this church. The same with the enclosed court yard, all the ground is stone with names and date. So some, creepy as it is, are loose when you step on them. The corner will lift a little and have a hollow sound. We took tonnes of pictures, and are going back tomorrow morning. My mind couldn´t quite grasp what my eyes were seeing, so I need to go there again.

Back to the hotel to grab something to eat. As said before Europeans eat many small meals, rather than 3 large ones. And when you wake up as early as we did, you´re hungry by 9am. We walked back, and decided on our next desitation.

Some tips and tricks we learned today.

The T10 pass is good for ten trips on any public transit, and you can transfer within an hour and it´s considered one trip. Their transit system is fantasic. All automated, even the city buses. You put in your card, it knows how many trips you have, and takes one off.

The subway is the fastest way to travel, they come every 2.5 minutes and get to the next stop just as fast.

There are no public washrooms in Barcelona, it´s faster to take the subway back to your hotel, than try and find one. Good thing that train is every 2.5 minutes.

Europeans don´t feel the need to shower daily, and when you´re on a jammed city bus....stinky. And the old short chubby lady doesn´t have a problem shoving her significant behind into you so she can get a hold on the bar.

Europeans have far less need for personal space than me, once said chubby lady had shoved me out of the way, she then proceded to wedge me between herself and Casey. Nothing like shoulder to knee contact with the unwashed.

Did you know that English is not the language here? I didn´t hear any words I understood until about 4 when we were at a tourist spot and heard someone getting after their child who was not enjoying the sights. They were from Virginia.

Europeans also have significantly more PDA´s than at home. My mother just thought...huh? PDA? Public displays of Affection, they do it a lot, and with gusto...avert the eyes.

Sometimes, just for fun, there is a wafting sewer smell while walking down the street. Just to wake you up. At first we couldn´t figure out where it was coming from. But then noticed it correlated with the grates...and the septic truck that was parked and had a long hose running into the business.

No stores are their own building, and there are no spaces between buildings. A doorway, no matter how shabby, or small, or low, is the opening to a business. Well, open is a relative term, they seem to open whenever they want...close whenever they want...and always practise Siesta.

Speaking of stores...you walk down these 10 foot wide streets and notice all the little shops, bakeries, restaurants, jewlers, book stores... and then you see a sign ¨Body Shop¨(I don´t think the locals go there much) or it´s a ¨Foot Locker¨. They really seem out of place.

¿Siesta? Mandatory closure between 1-4ish...go home for a nap or ´nap´ (remember, the PDA´s, well they generally lead to the Seista ¨nap¨). Store hours will say 10:00-13:00, 16:00-20:00. And that´s assuming they feel like opening that day. Cause there were plenty that said they should have been open, they weren´t. Definately open in the morning are the bakeries. We haven´t tried them yet, we have free at our hotel, enough said.

Graffiti, Graffiti, Graffiti...if it´s metal, ít´s graffitied. Not the stone though, and not the churches. Or maybe the churches, but they clean it up. We even saw a bus stop today that was aparently tagged by Jesus. He left his name in silver spray paint, with a funky font.

Later I´ll show a picture...but here´s a small description. Down La Rambla there is the bird section, the flower section and the art section. You can buy a pet bird, with cage at any one of the 20 or so vendors. Not sure why you need a bird, but they seem to sell enough to stay in business. Some of them, just for variety sell chickens and roosters. At the end of the day these fold up like those Life Savers boxes you get in your stocking. In the morning, when you´re Canadian and not sleeping, you walk by the closed up shop, and the Rooster is letting you know it´s morning. You know, in the closed box. Cockadoodle doo, heard him on the way there, and the way back. He knew it was morning, too bad his vendor didn´t.

As said, the public trasit system is fantastic, and will get you anywhere cheap cheap cheap...that is, if you can find the bus stop. Subway, no problem...big whole in the ground with the big red M above it, buses, not as easy. And if you do find a stop, hope that it´s the one you need. In a city of 4 million people, there´s a lot of routes.

Parc Güell - pictures to follow. Lots, lots, lots of people, panoramic view of the city and ocean, weird Gaudi architecture. We learned you can Busk there, playing various types of music...videos to follow. It is not necessary to know Enligh to sing Elvis songs, la la la la do doo doo will be okay, if you make sure to the Sway Shoo, in (Blue Suede Shoes) always helps to have huge green sunglasses, dreadlocks and two different shoes on. Just adds character. BUT, if you´re selling your homemade jewlery or knick knacks, you put it on a blanket, and watch for the cops. That way, when someone sends up the signal, you grab the corners and pick it up in one svell svoop, and you´re on your way. You better be a small business though, cause if you´re trying to expand and have too much blanket and knick knack, they getcha. We saw the gotten, he wasn´t happy. Had the international look for "are you kidding me"? Funny, cause if you´re small time, you slowly and efficiently fold up your blanket and pretend as if you´re just sitting enjoying the view. No escaping involved. And when the cops have gotten their guy, you unfold it again and carry on with business.

There are no zoning laws in Spain.

There are few tall people in Spain, or at least tall ones that build the doorways.

No matter how old the building, the neighborhood or the culture, you can always find Starbucks.

Many culinary adventures to be had....huevos del toro...look it up.

Make sure you specify Tapas...appetizer. They´re the big thing around here. Everyone has a Tapas that they want for you, only 3€. Make sure you say that, cause if you don´t they´ll assume you want to pay meal price, not Tapas price. Lesson learned.

When we finally did find a public washroom, Water Closet, there were a few lessons to be had. First, I hope you are effecient, because you only get as much toilet paper and the lady gives you, two winds around the hand, if you wanted to know. Also, there is no Men and Women, there is Water Closet. Boys to the left Girls to the right. And not the far right, or the down the hall right, or even the behind the wall on the right...no, just the stalls on this side, the ones on that side are for the boys. Fortunatley the boys had stalls, a little revealing otherwise.

Okay....´someone´ is awake from Siesta...we´re off!

Barcelona Cathedral

2010-04-01T02:24:00.003-06:00

We may not have free computer access in our other locations, appreciate the constant updates as you can...

We can´t upload our own pics...but this is exactly what it looked like. AMAZING!!

http://www.anatol.org/images/spain/images/barcelona-catedral-1.jpg

http://www.resortsinspain.com/Barcelona/0-g-bar/barcelona-cathedral-2805.jpg

http://www.emsc.nysed.gov/ciai/socst/ghgonline/turnpoint/images/content/tp36/barcelona.jpg

Jet Lag

2010-03-31T22:54:00.002-06:00

So, you´d think with all there is to see here, that I´d never have time to blog. But there´s a free computer right beside the 24 hour buffet, and we´ve been awake for hours. I hope it´s cause we napped so much yesterday, but it´s likely because my internal clock is screwed up. Anyway, been up since 4am Barcelona time, and showered and having breakfast and it´s not even 7. But hey, when in Barcelona. We´re heading out this morning to see the streets without the throngs of people, and get some pics as the sun comes up. I know you´re all anxious for pics, but this computer doesn´t have a hard drive, it´s just a networked monitor. So not sure when we´ll be able to post.

Plan today is Gaudi and all his weirdness. And figuring out how to use our credit cards, which up till now aren´t working. No big deal if it´s cash everywhere, just irritating. Gonna attempt the subway, and the grocery store. We´ve noticed a blatant lack of weight issues here. They don´t eat big meals, which means us ´healthy´ Canucks are starving all the time. Tiny meals all day is great an all, but don´t you serve steak and potatoes?

´How did you lose so much weight?´ Went to Europe.

Also, this keyboard is funky. Here´s some of the letters and characters on it...no idea what they are or do...

¡ ¿ ñ ç º ¬ ª

It´s also quite dim in here, the suns isn´t up, and they have little light...so I look like an idiot with my nose to the keyboard trying to show you the stuff.

Just discovered another thing, funny....hit the spell check...it highlighted every word. I aparantly don´t speak Spanish and neither does Blogger. = )

¡Hola!

2010-03-31T11:19:00.002-06:00

We have arrived!!!

Long long long flights. 9.5 hours from Calgary to Frankfurt. Might I say that Frankfurt is a humungo airport. HUGE....and we had about 1/2 hour to get from one end to the other to get on our connecting flight to Barcelona. We made it, hot and sweaty...but wow, that´s a big airport...and all in GERMAN! (shocking)

Flight to Barcelona was un eventful, turbulent, and we tried to sleep. Seems that if you cross over water, you miss out on night. We have missed out on a whole night somewhere along the way, and are starting to feel it. Jet Lag pills or no jet lag pills....dude I´m tired.

Got here and did the first thing we said we wouldn´t, get lost and look like dumb tourists. But we finally found the bus. Then get us to Plaça de Catalunya. A main bus station in Barcelona. Crazy amounts of people, speaking all kinds of languages I don´t know. Loaded with backpacks and a blank look...we set out to find our hotel....and a bathroom. Hotel Continental Palacete. Walked past it twice, asked direction of a very nice non english speaking lady, and we found it. Nerves a little shot, tempers a little tight...but finally here.

Have you ever taken Pepto Bismol for an upset stomach, but it didn´t do the job and you puked up the pink....that´s about the look of our room. I´ve never seen so much pink in such a small space. The rest is lovely, if a little over done with the gold, and the naked statues, and the flowers...but still, it´s Europe.

Nap time. Had to set our alarm so we wouldn´t hit a full 8 hours. It´s not bed time, it´s noon...we just think we´ve been up all night. We have. Have you ever tried to sleep on a plane, when your body thinks it´s 6pm. Didn´t happen.

Nap, shower and out for a first look. No pics yet, wanted to check it out and see what we´re in for. So many people, so many languages, so many looks and outfits and hair styles. It´s crazy, and fun...and we´re already having a blast.

Couple hours of walking down Las Ramblas. A huge walking street with all kinds of shops and markets people, and living statues. Those are pretty fun and we´ll take pics tomorrow. Give them a tip and they´ll come to life. Down to the port and then back on a side road....only to be taken in the day time. Amazing.

Stopped for a bite, learned a lesson about assuming...we won´t do that again. Good thing our hotel has a free 24hr buffet, no need to spend a lot on food.

So we´re back for a bit, to rest our feet....try not to fall asleep so we can get adjusted to the time, and maybe head out to see the night life. We´ve read that the REAL Barcelona doesn´t start until after 9pm.

Can´t believe we´re here. I´ve always found flying to be a little disorienting. Get on at home, and a few hours later you´re in a completely different place....this time the other side of the world.

GSIL, can´t believe how much I wish you were here, you would be beside yourself with the picture opps. Will try and do it justice.

Ciao

3....2.....1!!

2010-03-29T10:47:00.003-06:00

Okay, so you got a break from my bragging over the weekend. Busy with kids, and packing and errands. But...I didn't have time to blog today, and now I need to put the stuff in the backpack, otherwise...I can't leave. Well, I can...but I won't have any stuff.

So, I won't preview Rome for you, you'll just have see the real thing when I post pictures.

Here is my last will and testament.

To my GSIL I leave my hair straightener.

To BB - awesomeness to be posted at a later time - I leave my sewing machine, as a back up.

To my brother, I leave the deep memories of happiness and fulfillment that I provided his childhood and youth. You're welcome for being such an amazing example of fun.

To Candi, I leave the satisfied feeling of knowing that I brought out the ability to play that piano so well, okay fine, and maybe you're natural talent.

To M, you can have my teeth, I'm sure they're useful for something.

To CC, my sweet girl, you can fight with GSIL over the hair straightener. It's worth it...it starts with Ch....and ends with i. I know!!

And the rest of you, you may divide among you all my treasures and personal possession. Take what has affected your life the deepest...or what you can pawn for cash.

It's has been a good life.

Ciao!!

4 Days

2010-03-26T08:31:00.004-06:00

You think you're getting tired of this count down, but you're really not. Deep breath, we'll make it through together.

Okay, back to me.

After a couple days in Marseilles, we continue our fun filled journey of France and make a stop in Nice. (pronounced neice, again, you're welcome)

We've read that this is where we should notice a temperature change. Barcelona and Marseilles will be in the high teens for temp. But in Nice and onward we should see mid 20 weather. We knew this wouldn't be a beach vacation, and likely not result in any amazing tans, but who could turn down enough travel points to take you to Europe?!!?! Not me...

The city of Nice is located on the French Riviera in Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur (huh?) Blessed by a sunny, temperate climate, Nice attracts visitors from around the world (like me). Among its many attractions are its beautiful beaches (oh ya) lovely seaside promenade, (bring them on) interesting museums (meh) famous landmarks (better) and other tourist attractions. (I'll let you know)

I don't think you're fully appreciating the wealth of knowledge I am providing....

5 Days~

2010-03-25T10:15:00.004-06:00

Okay, I'm starting to get excited. I've been holding off I think. Lots to do before I can go anywhere. But it's now Thursday. The one big project I HAD to finish at work, is done. I still have a list to complete, but nothing crazy like.

So today I'm realizing that I'll be in Europe this time next week. In Spain to be exact. That's crazy dude.

On to the next lesson...we will move on to France. From Barcelona we are taking the EuroRail to Marseille.

Marseille is the oldest city in France, and currently its second most populous, behind Paris. It forms the third largest metropolitan area. Located on the south east coast of France on the Mediterranean Sea. Marseille is France's largest commercial port. (you're welcome)

Now...just a small side note. In my quest for an 'excited' picture...this came up. I have no comments, and feel the need to shake my head a little...

6 Days

2010-03-24T08:40:00.009-06:00

Yes, that's right loyal readers...all 2 of you...I was serious when I said I'd count down the days.

On this installment of...rub it in that I'm going to Europe next week...I'd like to introduce to you Flamenco Dancing. Brought to my attention by the lovely Jody.

A little history...

Flamenco is a style of music and dance which is considered part of the culture of Spain, although it is actually native to only one region: Andalusia.

Andalusian, Gypsy, Sephardic, Morrish and byzantine influences have been detected in flamenco, often claimed to have coalesced around the time of the Reconquista in the 15th century. The original of the term are unclear, the word Flamenco itself was not recorded until the 18th century.

Flamenco is the music of the Andalusian gypsies and played in their social community. Andalusian people who grew up around gypsies were also accepted as "flamencos" (Wikipedia...I don't know this stuff)

This is Flamenco Dancing...sorry, you have to follow the link. Why won't "paste" work?!?!?!

But THIS!!....I'm going to find this show. Oh wait, I'm not going to Greece.

~ 7 Days ~

2010-03-23T09:04:00.003-06:00

Yes, I am going to count down every day, consider it a blessing...not torture.

So...some history for you.

This is Mr. Gaudi. He's the creator of everything ~~wierd~~ artistic in Barcelona. Which is the first stop on our adventure. He had quite the eye for strange, and made strange in a big way. We will be seeing the big and the strange.

Here is a preview.