On this, the second-last day of 2007…

I treasure:
The sight of:
My hubby and son playing a game of mini-sticks (both trying so hard to win); Eddy's wiggly-bum as we go for a much over-do puppy walk and our family and friends.
The smell of:
N wearing his first-ever cologne (a gift from Santa) and my wonderful gift of bath-balms from Fruits and Passion.
The sound of:
Hockey pucks hitting the boards, skates spraying ice and N doing his "hockey-highlights" in the backyard.
The feeling of:
Knowing my loved ones are safe and sound and pulling off another Christmas (even with strep throat).
The taste of:
Mom's sooo delicious shortbread, medium cheddar cheese and of course my "Tims".

Sorry but...

Eureka. I finally found something positive to say...

about moving to a newly renovated floor at work.

It has been around three months since our department moved to a newly renovated floor. I have been struggling to say something positive about our new digs.

But today I finally realized something positive has come from the whole experience.

We have misplaced the departmental Christmas tree.

Last year I was amazed to see how much time and effort was spent on decorating this tree. The tree was also inspected daily to see if any ornaments, tinsel etc. had moved or needed to be tweaked. I think just deocorating the tree took two or three days.

Our call centre staff took much pleasure in moving decorations after normal business hours. I took much pleasure in watching our department Christmas tree decorators move them back.

Nothing says Christmas like angry Xmas tree decorators.

Crocs at work

What is worse than someone wearing crocs at work?

Answer.

Someone wearing crocs at work with white socks and one sock has a big orange stain on it.

I’m getting old

Cause I went shopping at Walmart on Monday and lost my car in the parking lot. I just wanted to leave my full shopping cart behind and catch a bus home.

In fairness to myself I did park in a completely different spot then I normally do. This also is the first time I have ever misplaced my car.

I usually park far away from the entrance because I need the exercise and the parking lot is always full. On Monday, however, I arrived before 9 a.m. and parked very close to the door.

After about five minutes I did find my car.

What is next? Bi-focals and the uncontrollable urge to fight-over day-old baked goods at Safeway?

A special boy named Andrew

A very special boy named Andrew passed away last week. Andrew fought a brave battle against severe Aplastic Anemia for just over two years.

Andrew's funeral is today.

Andrew's web site address is below:
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/andreweyssens

God bless Andrew

It is two days before Halloween...

and

1. Christmas commercials have already started on tv.
2. I can't eat any more Halloween kisses...yuck (okay, mabye just one more)
3. I still can't find online a free, SpongeBob pumpkin-carving stencil.

An end to one of my beliefs

I've been watching "Design Inc." on HGTV every morning before work, for around two weeks and loving the designs. And until two days ago, I truly believed Sarah and her team could do no wrong.

Sarah was designing a condo for a newly-married couple who were just moving into their brand-new condo. The condo was pretty much just white walls and floors - a blank canvas.

I just hated almost all of Sarah's design choices for the condo. Yuck!

I don't know why but I took it personally. I now have a hard time watching the show.

A little harsh maybe on my part. And who really cares that I can't watch it anymore with the same level of pleasure.

Will I give her another chance?

Possibly.

I think I was more upset that she burst my belief that she could do no wrong. For some strange reason I expected her to be perfect.

Enough said.

LOL joke

My boy has been teaching me some texting shortcuts as per the txt joke below. Who says an old dog can't learn new tricks?

TXT joke
HwMnySknksMkAHoRblSmel?
APhw!

Translation
How many skunks make a horrible smell?

A phew!

Wonderful Thanksgiving weekend

The K's long weekend started early as we took off on Thursday for Grand Forks. We spent a wonderful three days at the CanAd Inn/waterpark, shopping, sliding and eating too much (darn those large American servings).

I can't say enough good things about our hotel. It was sooo new you didn't mind laying down on the bedspreads or walking on the carpet etc.

A was happy to watch the flat screen tv while N and I spent hour upon hour at the amazing water park. Our knees are a little bruised thanks to the weird decision to build the two huge hot tubs mainly out of cement. On the plus side I was able to swim laps (until the salt water got to my eyes, okay and also because I am so out shape after 25 laps I had it.), slide endlessly down the three water slides and drift on their "lazy river". I sooo wish we had a water park like this in Winnipeg.

I was surprised at how little A and N complained about shopping. We spent at least two hours a day or more shopping (a K record I'm sure) and I was able to buy pretty much everything I was hoping to. I just love Gordmans and Target!

We crossed the border early evening on Saturday and probably would have sailed through except for the car caravan of Michigan hunters in front of us. Even so it only took about 25 minutes.

N's hockey team has a tournament in February in Grand Forks. I am already planning the shopping. I hope the dollar still stays strong!

Turkey, turkey
Thanks to my Mom, who defrosted and cooked the delicious turkey, we were able to have family over on Sunday for supper. It was soo nice to spend time with A's niece who is here for two years from Edmonton. She is working on her masters (I think in environmental studies). J is such a sweetheart. N loves teasing her and they have a mean table hockey competition going on.

Hockey side note
Congrats to our boy for making the 10A1 hockey team. N is very excited to get back into hockey though I think the three practices a week and possibly two games is crazy!

Our first exhibition game is this Friday. Let the games begin!

Proof that N is truly my boy (not that I need any)

Every night as part of N's bedtime routine we snuggle up and I have to guess based on him giving me hints, as to what happened at school that day.

Yesterday one of his stories covered off other kid's lunch choices.

N was particularly grossed by one classmate's constant eating of those little canned weiners. Apparently N's classmate eats them all the time.

If this wasn't bad enough, he tends to wave them around on his fork while talking and drops them all over the place. And yup, he picks them up and eats them.

I have a huge dislike of canned weiners. Especially after seeing (at lunch one day with friends from work at McDs.) a women eating them cold out of the can. Yuck!

90 posts and counting

Yikes has it been over ten days since my last post? I can't believe it. Where has the time gone?

A few reasons why I haven't written anything lately in my online journal
- September 7 (the day of my last posting) was my 22nd wedding anniversay. I could say I have been soooo busy celebrating and thus tooooo busy to post. But then I would be lying.
- Blog block (I just can't get past a title)
- Work, work and more work
- crazy hockey Mom syndrome (hockey try outs start this week)
- too busy cleaning up green puppy puke (Eddy has thrown-up three times this week. We bought him a new green, rubber puppy toy. Hence the green puke.)

Crabby Friday

I'm crabby today.

I think it is because I'm not feeling well (cause I am overtired) but everything is just irritating me – my hair, my coworkers (only certain ones), my clothing.

You name it and yup it's bugging me.

The cloudy weather isn't helping and the fact that everything is going wrong at work today.

I should have just stayed home.

I think I just need to watch some TLC. A little "Baby Story" or "Bringing baby home" always makes me feel better. For me it is not so much about seeing the babies (even though there are some cute ones) but I LOVE to see how people decorate their homes.

It’s soccer playoff time…

and we whipped the one team we didn't beat all season last nite. I believe some gloating needs to happen. Our boys played hard, didn't give up and listened to us coaches (not that I know anything about coaching soccer). It was such a fun game to watch.

The win is all the more sweeter cause the team we beat played two kids for the whole game (and sat out two other kids) which, for so many reasons is sooo wrong. I know this happens but this is a developmental soccer league and this type of play is against league rules. The two kids are awesome soccer players but they just ran out of steam.

Our next playoff game is Friday. We were trying to decide if N would be at this game or not. He has three events happening on Friday and of course all are at the same time – hockey camp windup (where there will be food and N loves to eat), a soccer playoff game and a b-day invite. It looks like N will be going to the birthday party as the girl's parents are renting a hummer limo and driving the kids around town. Oooh...

Kraft magazine recipe update
I did manage to make one recipe from the summer mag. It was for the Oreo and Fudge Ice Cream "Cake". N and his friends loved it but I found it a little too sweet.

Hopefully the fall recipe mag will be in my mailbox soon!

Ikea catalogue
The 2008 catalogue arrived yesterday. I spent every free moment scanning the pages. I may even actually order a chair from Ikea (see photo below). This chair isn't my first choice. I really, really love a red leather chair at another furniture store, but it is $1000.

You can remove the cover on the Ikea chair and wash it. This is a good thing.

And maybe a little blood

Corn and apple cider

The Ls and the Ks went to the Morden corn and apple fair on Friday. We teased our boys during the 2 hour drive that all there would be to eat would be corn and apples only to find out on arriving in Morden at around 6:30ish that the free corn and apples stop at 6 p.m.

It was hard to find any food booths selling corn or apples (not that our boys were eating any.)

Two observations of Morden fair goers
1. A lot of very young mothers with babies in strollers
2. A lot of people smoking

I fell in love with the beautiful and old brick houses in Morden and of course the fact it has a Tims!

Pine Ridge Hollow farmers market - last Saturday
Lots of corn and apples and the best pizza perogies I have ever had (outside of my Moms). The only downside was the Hollow was full of those darn ladies from the red hat society. I felt like I was in a Capital One commercial where you can't get rid of the bankers except we couldn't get away from those red hats!

Farewell to Yoshi and our pool

N's siamese fighting fish Yoshi died today. Yoshi was around two years old. He was a good fish as fish go. He wasn't a lot of work and entertained us with his bubble nests. We kept him in a fish tank unlike a lot of betta fish in pet stores who, in my opinion are inhumanely kept in very tiny bowls.

Goodbye Yoshi.

N was a little sad but quickly recovered after he flushed the toilet. I am just waiting for him to ask for another pet. A hamster would be my first bet.

We drained and cleaned our pool today and put it away for next year. I would like a bigger pool. Not getting a bigger pool would be my first bet.

Observations from an office window
I'm on holidays but have been spending nites at work so I can be on holidays. Things I have noticed on my late shifts:
1. Drinking two large Tim's coffee will keep you up all nite and into the next morning. I'm now drinking decaf.
2. The hotel across the street is even busier at night. A lot of people with dogs hang out at the front door.
3. The dance studio also across the street is a lot bigger inside then I had imagined. Having the lites on makes it easier to see inside. No sign of Mr. Gere.
4. I start to get a little creeped out at work at around 3 a.m. Hmm...this also seems to happen at 3 p.m.
5. One of the cleaning staff likes to be called Boo Boo.

Shut up and drive

The song "Shut up and drive" by Rihanna was playing on the car radio this morning as N and I were pulling out of the garage. I started to sing "Shut up and drive" as it is a very catchy tune.

N replied to my singing by saying "Mom, no really, just shut up and drive".

I promise this is my last rant about Lily and Market

I hate this intersection.

Really I do.

Even though I hate it so, I still drive by it every morning on my way to work. Having to swerve around cars who fail to stop here isn't going to make me change my route. No way.

I think I kind of enjoy the challenge.

Enough said.

Well not quite.

One last comment. I promise.

This morning driving past this intersection I had to swerve to miss a man on his bike. He almost ran into my car as he coasted past the stop sign and into the intersection. In response to me honking the horn, he pounded his chest (I felt like pounding something else) and made the sign-of-the-cross and continued on his way.

I'm thinking maybe the proactive thing to do would be to talk to the cops. If they set-up some kind of camera at this intersection they could make a mint in fines.

Maybe I could get a cut of their take.

I'm done.

Ka-ching

How do I know summer is almost over?

Because all I have been hearing is the sound of the cash registers as we hand-out money to pay for school supplies and hockey equipment. Oh the wonderful sounds of soon-to-be fall!

S*** on a bun

Standing in line at 7-eleven the other day waiting to pay for my boy's slurpy, I glanced over at the rotating grill and was sooo grossed out to see "crap" on a stick. They are selling "logs" which according to the sign "is the hamburger you eat like a hotdog". These "turds" kept catching my eye. I just couldn't seem to avoid them.

I'm now avoiding going into 7-elevens or at the very least sending N in alone to pay for his slurpy.

Maggot mouth update
Eddy seems to be okay despite his latest eating binge. He's getting so spoiled with having someone home with him all day long for the last three months. It's going to be hard on him when N goes back to school and hopefully A goes back to work.

Happy long weekend.
I'm going to try and keep track of how many times I say or hear "Islendingadagurinn" this weekend.

Puppy wuppy (warning he did something gross)

Eddy is trying to cover-up his mouth for a very good reason. He decided today to eat some maggots which he found in a well-ripened garbage bag in our garage. (It's so appropriate that after his little snack, he chose to lay down beside a rolled-up newspaper.)

No puppy kissing when I get home tonite.

Side note
Nicole Richie confirmed last nite she is pregnant. Just to let you know inTouch magazine revealed this over a month ago.

A sad day

It is a sad day at work. Actually everyday at work is kind of sad, but I am especially sad because today is Steph's last day.

Steph is a wonderful, talented person who always managed to make me laugh and taught me so many things such as ALL CAPS can work and work well in a design project. I know she will go on to bigger and better things but she will be sooo missed.

Good luck friend. I wish you well!

A small protest

I am struggling with having to take my first two weeks of summer holidays so early in July (but on the plus side I spent two wonderful weeks with my sister and hubby from BC). These holidays seem so long ago.

I don't think I have taken holidays so early in July in over twenty years. Hence, my clothing choices since returning to work have decidedly been on the casual side (I've worn flip-flops two days in a row which is against my work's clothing policy- yikes!). I just need to feel like some part of me is away on holidays (especially with the hot weather).

Garden update

The windowbox on our garage is doing pretty good this year. We have had a few hummingbirds come for a visit. A little toad was also living in the box during the rainy days in July. For some reason one side of the windowbox is growing faster than the other.




I also want to add a few hollyhocks to our garden. This is my first addition. It is a dwarf/double variety which only get about two feet tall. I hope it survives the winter.

Clothing issues

Yesterday was a day full of clothing issues mine - and others.

My list
1. Shelf-bra tank-top strap breaks. I was wearing a white blouse so it was really hard to fix and hide the fact my strap was broken.
2. The elastic band in my capri pants stretched beyond salvageable. I had to stay close to my desk in fear of loosing my pants. (hard to do when my day was booked full with meetings)
3. I'm not even going to mention the issues with my underwear.

My issues with the man in the parking lot (who was parked two spots down from me)
1. When I first noticed him he was wearing black, tight biker shorts and standing by his car.
2. He then proceeded to change into a long-flowing batik-looking skirt when no regard for the fact he was wearing no underwear.
3. Once changed into his skirt he went and stood in line at the Fringe booth by the parking lot.
4. That's what I get for working late and arriving in a nearly, empty parking lot.

Coworker issues
1. Two friends asked for safety pins (missing buttons)
2. I can't mention why one person had to go home (they had a stain in a very bad place)

Happy weekend and Go Bombers Go!

How can something so cute...

be so silly! Eddy has managed one complete day without hurting himself or any family members. I just think it is too hot outside. Eddy can't be bothered.

Mmmmm...

I'm lost

N and I spent a "lost" weekend watching Season 1 of Lost. We are totally hooked, staying up late to watch four series worth of Lost in one evening even though after each one we promised it would be our last for the day.

I blame P. because she lent us the first four episodes. (The first one is always free.)

I may have ruined it for myself but I had to jump on the Web and find out what happens in future episodes.

I was also a little "lost" this morning because HOT103 was off the air. Darn transmitter fire.

Crazy puppy
Eddy decided last evening to stick his head under the fence between our house and the neighbours. His head of course got stuck. N and I were in the pool so we jumped out and tried to rescue him to no avail. N ran to get A and I stayed to try calm the silly puppy. A had to go into the neighbours yard and use a hammer to loosen the fence board so Eddy could get out. Eddy promptly proceeded to try and stick his head under the fence again. No learning going on here.

I wish I had the...

guts, drive and cashola to open a grocery store near where I work. With the development of all the new condos in the downtown/exchange, I think a food store would be successful. I read about new grocery store openings but the stores never seem to open.

Two things I would do if I owed a store in the exchange:
1. Provide bullet-proof vests for any delivery staff
2. Promote "spider-free" fruit

My last vent about the dreaded intersection
I've been back at work for two days and for two days in a row I have had to honk at drivers so they don't enter the intersection. What makes it okay for someone to only check in one direction so see if any cars are coming? I just don't get it…

Hodgepodge blog

Spider bite
Apparently a River Heights resident was bitten by a black widow spider which was hiding in some grapes they bought at a local grocery store. When the man called the grocery store to inform them of the incident they were told to bring the grapes back with the receipt. Do ya think the store could have been a little more proactive then just asking for the grapes and the receipt?

N and I in the pool at Gimli
Don't know why I'm posting a photo of me in a pool. I think it's cause I feel a need to post a photo of N. N is doing his sad puppy look.



Interesting title from a recent email



First of all I don't know what kind of grabbing should be going on and if it is a "do-it-yourself" project why do they want you to invite friends over to help?

Just some photos

Did I ever mention that I love blue flowers? and especially hydrangeas? Well I do...



and I love my boy. Here is a picture of N and his school vice-principal. This photo was taken minutes after N came in third in the 800 m. race at the city-wide track and field meet. The first kid to medal in this event in his school's history.

A short confession

My list of vices is relatively short and boring, Tims, diet coke and the occasionally mudslide drink. Add to it my new found addiction…inTouch magazine.


I just love this magazine.

Why?

Because it's cheap, has lots of photos and provides me with a quick, weekly fix on celebrity trash. What better reading on summer holidays!

Ks are on summer holidays

The Ks spent a wonderful three days this week in Gimli swimming, going for walks and just taking it easy. We stayed at the Lakeview resort. The place was pretty empty and for most of the time we were the only ones in the pools (one indoor and one outdoor), hot tub and sauna. We tried to spend as much time in the outdoor pool, one to enjoy the sunny weather but also because they used salt to clean the pool and it was sooo nice not to have swim in chlorine.

Apparently…
If your six-year old kid tells ya they won't go in the deep end of a swimming pool they’re good to go. It was hard to watch but the parents of a young boy constantly left him alone in the pool while they either went into the other pool or had completely left the pool area. I heard the women parent (I can't call her a Mom cause she isn't worthy of this title) say at one point "He's okay because he said he won't go in the deep end". Unbelievable…

Back to the hospital

My Mom wasn't feeling well over the weekend and we ended back at the hospital. After two days of tests and stuffola Mom is back to feeling better. She was a little down, not that I blame her. It isn't fun to be sick and especially so after recovering so well from her knee replacement surgery.

Holiday countdown
Six more days till summer holidays! Yipee! We look forward to seeing my sister from BC and just hanging out.

Tim's bagel
I bought a bagel from Tim’s this morning. I thought it was odd that there was no plastic around the bagel. What did they use to pick up the bagel? I ate it anyway.

Market and Lily

I greatly dislike this intersection. Apparently the stop sign is really hard for car drivers to see. Drivers seem to think they can freely enter into traffic at will. No stopping going on here. Except maybe for the cars that don't have a stop sign and have to allow for the cars who do!

While I have only seen one accident here (and it was between a car and the stop sign) I am always in fear I will get hit. This is my Friday vent.

No more hospital visits…

cause Mom is back home! She has around six more weeks of exercises, therapy and needles before her knee will be hopefully like new.

It is so nice to have her at home.

Warning-some bragging about N to follow
N had his very first U of M track and field meet yesterday. N was competing in three events-800 metres, 60 metres and the 100 metres relay.

The first event was the 800 metres and N finished third, winning a bronze medal. This was the first time in his school's 45 years history, that a student medaled in the 800 metres. That's our boy.

He also earned a 4th place finish in the 60 metres and a bronze medal in the 100m relay.

Of course ya know I will be posting some photos. I just need to get them off my camera.

Mom passes the stair test

I give my Mom an A+. She was able to do three stairs, twice today. My guess is she is going home tomorrow.

Her roommates say they will miss her. She inspires them to do their exercises.

My Mom inspires me to be a better person.

It just keeps getting better

My Mom is one amazing lady. Everyday she gets stronger and defies her age! Mom was up walking yesterday and even did a little loop around the hallway. We will have her doing a polka soon - just as long as she doesn’t sing.

Her nurses have been so good. They are caring and seem to have their patient’s interest at heart. Mom’s room mates are nice ladies – except for the one (and there always is one) who constanly needs to see the head nurse. They have a contest as to who will have the first “movement”. My money is on my Mom. She’s been eating allbran and drinking prune juice.

Ants and butterflies
Where are they coming from? There are a ton of ants in our front yard and scary butterflies everywhere. Transcona doesn’t really have any canker worms. Are we getting ants and butterflies instead?

Super Mom

Our Mom is amazing. She is 83 years old and was up walking this morning-less than 24 hours after having her knee replaced. I am in awe!

They are going to take the morphine away today as well. She says she doesn't need it. The morphine machine is a neat set-up. It deliveries the drug on demand. The machine is even under lock and key so ya can't mess with the morphine.

Mom says she is in less pain now then she was before her surgery.

It makes me sad and angry that she suffered for so long.

Let's hope for a quick recovery!

My Mom

After waiting two-and-a-half years (with most of this time spent trying to convince the Wpg. medical community to do the surgery) my Mom is finally having her left knee replaced today.

Yipee!

My crazy Mom wanted to take a cab to the hospital. She didn't want to inconvience us. Yup she would have had no problem, lugging her suitcase, walker and trying to find admitting at 6:30 a.m. this morning.

I'm fully expecting her to call me in five or six days to say she took the bus home from the hospital. Moms!

(N and Grandma)

Surgery update
Unfortunately Mom's surgery was delayed and she went into the operating room around the lunch hour. We won't be able to see her until late tonite. Darn those emergencies!

Puppy is three
Three years ago today our puppy Eddy was born on a farm in St. Malo. Birthday cake, treats and gifts at 8 tonite.

Puppy is so excited. He tried to snag some of his gifts last night. I had to close the bedroom door! He's worse than a kid or Al.

(Photo of Ed on the first day with the Ks)


(Ed's Mom)

Bye Bye Bob Barker
Happy retirement to Bob Barker. His final "Come on down" will be heard on June 15. Congrats to Bob. Not that I know him or anything...

Sidenote
When N was a toddler he used to watch The Price is Right with his Dad every morning. N's Grampa would usually visit when they were watching this show. N thought his Grampa looked like Bob Barker and took to calling Grampa "Parker" for the longest time.

(Nik and "Parker". N was around 3-years old.)

It’s not a good idea

It's not a good idea when you have a worm on your shoulder to scream (more like a squeak-at least it was for me yesterday) and flick it at a co-worker's workstation. Coworkers just don't seem to like this. Another lesson learned.

Things I have seen on my way to work this week:
(and it is only Tuesday)
1. A man wearing silver polyester sweat pants and a pink t-shirt (where would he work?)
2. Man shaving in his car
3. A man peeing in the parking-lot tunnel (nothing new)

Global warming

I can't believe with all the cold, rainy weather which has hung over us for sometime, someone hasn't claimed responsibility for fixing global warming.

Maybe this long stretch of cold, yucky weather is a "fix" or is the result of global warming. Anyways, I think until the sun starts to shine, I'm taking credit for getting rid of global warming (at least in our neck of the woods). Now if I could only find a way to not have to work...

Ouch

Our boy hurt himself at soccer over the weekend. He is okay. The freaky thing is, we don't know how it happened. N was taking his turn as one of his soccer team's keepers. He had made some pretty good saves (even if I say so myself) when he started to hold his arm. We took a peak at it and he had a 2 inch gash near his elbow. The crazy thing is the keeper jersey wasn't cut. Full of blood, but no rip.

Four hours later, some glue, special bandage strips, sitting through Shrek 2 (twice) and a purple popsicle we were on our way home from Childrens. The good thing is N was spared stitches. Ever since his hockey arena injury he is just terrified of getting stitches. I hope the glue holds otherwise it is back to Childrens for stitches.

To plant my plants. That is the question.

It's killing me cause I haven’t been able to plant any of my annuals. I haven't even finished cleaning up my flower beds in prep for planting. It has just been too cold and rainy. I know if I was an annual I wouldn’t want to be out there facing this yucky weather!

Walmart babies
Google “baby at Walmart” and you'll be surprised to find out how many babies are born at Walmart. Maybe Walmart should open birthing centers in their stores? Can you say “franchise”?

It's here. It's here...

Came home from work yesterday and the KC summer recipe book was sitting on my kitchen table. I have made a promise to myself to make at least one recipe from this mag. Do drink recipes count?

Finger worthy
Yesterday as I was walking through the Superstore parking lot, a woman in her van honked her horn at me. Why? Because she wanted me to move so she could drive out of her parking space. It caught me off guard cause I couldn't understand why she was honking at me.

Apparently I should have waited for her to leave her parking spot. I didn't realize a car should have priority over a person. Stupid me.

I waved at her and smiled which only made her more mad. We flipped each other the finger (she did it first) and I moved on. Grrh!! I bet she didn't have the KC summer recipe mag waiting for her at home or maybe she did, hence the hurry to leave Sstore. (She is sooo not KC mag worthy!)

Another Sopranos confession

I just haven't been able to watch or completely watch a Sopranos episode. I can't take the violence. Maybe it is because I'm a little stressed and over-reacting to the violence. Maybe it's because I constantly channel surf – hence I can't stop switching channels.

But every time someone gets beat-up, shot at or hurt on the Sopranos I have to switch to another program. Needless to say I miss most of the show.

I can hardly wait
The summer edition of the Kraft Canada cookbook should be in my mailbox soon. Oh the drink, salad and BBQ recipes. Yummy!

Weekly inspiration



To vote or not to vote...
Does it really matter? In my riding the NDP candidate will win. It is a given. But what has he done for me or my family recently? He has recently approved the building of a chick hatchery just down the street from where we live. We also have some real nice flower planters in downtown TC. Wait are the planters there because of our provincial rep. or our city councillor. Hmmm....

PC candidate for my riding

Linda West, the PC politician running in our area was standing on the traffic meridian at a very busy intersection yesterday on my way home from work. West and her supporters were waving their hands and campaign signs as cars whipped past.

I had two thoughts as I drove by:
1. She really needs a makeover
2. Her photo looks better on her sign than she does in person

And all I thought I had to do was reboot...

Happy birthday Manitoba
Can you feel it (the "spirited energy")? Tomorrow is Manitoba's 137^th birthday. Happy b-day Manitoba.

Canker worm watch

I keep waiting for the worms to fall. If they get as bad as the city is forecasting, I may have to stay home.

Worm forecast
There should be a worm watch posted on the city web site. Just like a weather watch, updates could be done on the worse areas for worms, their strings and the depth of dead worms on the sidewalk. Basically areas to avoid.

Reporting on crystal reports

I am away from the office for two days. Not because I am on holidays but because I am taking a course. Crystal reports to be exact. I am liking it (having just learned SQL helps) but it is moving a little slow.

Great view of the city from the classroom. I want to bring my camera tomorrow and take some shots.

I love...

1. the rain. But did it have to rain on the weekend!
2. that I haven't said "hate" in two days.
3. going shopping with my Mom (especially today as we are going plant shopping!)
4. my boys

I like…

1.( actually love) that today is Friday
2. that I didn't feel guilty (okay just a little bit) about saying no (to a volunteer request)
3. that I have only managed to kill one of the plants I brought into work (there were two)
4. writing my 50^th blog!
5. wishing everyone a very happy weekend

I dislike…

1. my car today cause it is making a rattling noise
2. politics and the crazy "promise" frenzy during an election period
3. my car (I'm really trying hard not to say "hate")
4. that I may miss ANTM tonite (even if we can watch it in like 3 different time zones)
5. my dripping nose (it is sooo cold at my desk)
6. spelling mistakes I have made in previous blog postings (or anywhere else)

I hate…

1. crazy sports parents (especially ones who yell at coaches and referees)
2. that I am really grumpy today (Grumpy in the morning, grumpy all day)
3. that I hate

I hate cars

I hate cars cause they cost money when you buy them, once you own them and when you try to get rid of them.

Our Rendezvous is in for servicing today. One front brake is squeaking. Of course brakes are not covered by the warranty. Every time I bring the car in for servicing, I always get the creepy service rep. whose first question to me is, "Do you have an extended warranty?" When I say yes he looks disappointed. Do they get commission for car work which is not covered by a warranty?

He knew I was bringing it in for unwarranted break work so he only asked me the car's mileage, no warranty question today.

I've asked for a quote on fixing the brakes. When they call I think I'm going to ask if it is covered under our extended warranty.

Brake update
Fixing the stupid brakes will cost around $300 and guess what...they come with a life-time warranty. You would think when you buy a brand new car the brakes would be covered with a life-time warranty. I just don't get it.

Animal talk

One new animal fact I learned this week
Wombat poop is apparently square-shaped.

Cat across the street
I never did get around to naming the cat in the window across the street. It and it's beady eyes were kinda of creeping me out.

Eddy has a new girl friend
Eddy loves my girlfriend Patty. For the longest time, every time she came to our house Eddy would pee in delight. The peeing has stopped but he still loves her sooo. Add to his love list, my best bud Laurie. She was over the other day and yup Eddy peed. He has never done this around her before. It must be peeing puppy love!

Eddy planting a nice wet-one on N.

Costco card shuffle

Walking through the door at Costco (for me at least) is always an awkward moment. I never know if I should show my membership card. My observation is some people do and some don't.

The awkwardness comes when the door person attempts to give me the store coupons and I try to show them my membership card. We end up doing this awkward little dance-they trying to hand me store coupons and me trying to show my card, put it away and grab the coupons.

It would be so much simpler if they just left the coupons on a table by the door or maybe I should just make Al go to Costco and deal with the card/shopping shuffle.

A little slow (or just old)

Ace B. was talking about Jessica Simpson sightings in Winnipeg today. I wondered why she would be here, maybe to film a movie? Then I heard she was here because John Mayer had a concert in Wpg. today. Ahhh I thought, that explains it. But then I thought “Who is John Mayer?”

The hamster campaign

My boy wants a hamster. He's been working on us and has even offered to pay for it himself.

It's really me who needs to be ready to buy a hamster-I know I will be doing all the work.

My Mom looked after all of our pets-turtles, fish, cats, dogs, guinea pigs, gerbils, birds, lizards etc. even though we told her we would. No reflection on the level of my Mom's care but we were regularly burying our pets in the backyard.

As a Mom wanting to continue our family tradition (buying and burying family pets) I probably will give-in and buy the hamster. This could be a good thing or a bad thing. I guess it just depends on who you are-my son, the hamster or me.

I'm not dissing the human rights museum but...

what is a human rights museum? I'm not saying we shouldn't build/support one. I just need to find out what it is and why we need one. Is the museum being built in order to showcase the human rights Canadians have, lost, don't have or all of the above? Just not sure...

Looking out my window

My new cube is beside a window. It is great to have the natural light. I don't spend much time looking out the window, possibly because the window is behind my chair. The one thing I've noticed is the cat in the window in the building across the street.

Whenever I do look out, the cat is there, sitting in the window. Yup I just peeked and the cat is there. I feel the need to name the cat. Just giving it some thought.

PCD last show
Tonites the nite they choose the next PC doll. All I can say is Nik and I will be watching. I told ya I was crazy.

Do I really need to worry about humidity in my jacket breast-pocket?

I found a package of silica gel in my jacket breast-pocket this morning (don’t ask). In googling “silica gel” I found out the gel is used to control “local humidity”.

Hmmm if I have a humid breast should I even be at work?

Guess where we ate supper last night?

Yup it was Wendys. The added bonus was there was a Tims beside the Wendys so I was able to get my coffee. Yummmmmm.

My poor crocus plants
Darn those rabbits. I only have one crocus bloom this spring. The rabbits really seem to like them. I think Eddy or Al needs to sleep outside at night. I will let them work it out. I can't cause I'm busy planning what to grow in my planter box.

Thinking inside the box

Every spring I plan/throw-together/struggle with what plants I will put in my garage planter box (see the photo below). Humming birds like to visit this planter. One year we found a small, grey toad hidden among the plants. When I first started gardening (about 20 some years ago) there wasn't much to choose from-mainly geraniums, marigolds and trailing verbena. There are now so many plants to choose from. I think I may need to miss some work!

Where are all the Winnipeg Wendy restaurants?

We really don't go to Wendys very often (one reason being because there isn't any). It seems like these restaurants are disappearing from the 'peg landscape. Why I wonder?

Side bar
Kelly Clarkson's new single. Heard it for the first time this morning. Why is she always so angry? Is it possibly because of the American Idol contract she had to sign? Just wondering...

Better late then never
I should have done this last week but a big congrats to my friend Lora. She is now the president of our local community club. We now have an all women exec. Wow!

Trampoline update
We didn't get a chance to "erect" the trampoline on the weekend. Just ran out of time. I also need to try to figure out how to place an above-ground swimming pool, a trampoline and leave room for some Eddy "private time" space in our backyard. Kinda of hard to do on a 55 x 120 city lot.

Where is everybody?

Not too much traffic driving into work today. My guess is people called-in sick so they could stand in line to get pre-tickets for the August JT concert. It isn't warm enough yet for people to skip off early to the lake.

Bouncy weekend
In between hockey, house-cleaning and relaxing the Ks hope to set-up the trampoline we purchased in the late-fall last year. It could get ugly. Al and I don't work very well together when:
1. You need to read instructions
2. You need to read instructions
3. One of us needs to be able to read instructions.

I plan to send N to a friend's house. Eddy needs to stick around. I may need a buffer between Al and I.

TGIF shout-out (even though it is Friday the 13th)
This Friday’s shout-out goes out to all the Winnipegers who will be outside enjoying the wonderfully warm weekend weather.

The weather is so nice and warm out today. What did I tell ya? Regular season hockey is over and yes the sun is shining.

Thank God for managers

Wow what would we do without managers?

One in particular (who I see/work with on a frequent basis) is always so quick to raise their hand when asked a question in a meeting. In fact, they feel completely at ease to offer their opinion throughout the meeting. No hand-raising needed there.

I'm in awe.

We (meaning us who are not managers/and don't have "staff") would be so lost without their expertise.

Why just today he/she freely offered me their advice. Apparently (in my current job) I have no worries about the new access to information laws. However, he/she (oops I should include their "staff" too) have lots to worry about.

Oh the worries of a manager.

NHL hockey playoff wish
Please, please if there is a hockey God can the Nashville Predators make it past the first playoff round. My boy would be so happy! Go Nashville Go! Let's beat those pesky sharks.

Kinda of embarrassing

The Ks are very happy Team Canada won the hockey tournament last night (even though there were some questionable calls). The Canadians were the best team on the ice (in my opinion).

However, what was up with the "army" personnel repelling from the arena roof. It was a very awkward moment. Were those medals tangled up in one of the repelling person’s hair? Yikes.

Nik's tooth
Hurray! The tooth Nik punched out was a baby tooth. I am glad we don't have to deal with replacing a permanent tooth. :)

Warmer weather
It sure is nice out there today. What did I tell you!

Soccer will be starting soon. I can't resist posting this picture of Nik. He is three years old in this photo. He still loves to play soccer.

Crazy about the Sopranos

I have this love/hate thing going on with the Sopranos. Apparently they mentioned Winnipeg in the season opener.

Click here to view a seven-minute youtube recap video of the first six Soprano seasons. Ya gotta love it (or hate it) especially the "Carmela gets pissed" edits.

I'm thinking about having a final episode party. I hesitate because Nik would want to be there.

Feeling lousy

I'm feeling lousy for two reasons:
1. I can't shake the cold I had over spring break and
2. Nik knocked his own tooth out at hockey and I completely forgot to call his dentist yesterday.

We are not too sure if it is a baby tooth or not (pretty sure it is). I dropped the tooth on the bathroom floor on Sunday and it broke into two pieces. Nik didn't care. He was happy that both the tooth fairy and Easter bunny came.

Team Canada
Our girls should beat the Americans tonite. I'm just looking forward to the warmer weather.

Backyard update
Just to let you know the Ks backyard is free of Eddy's winter treasures. Al spent sometime on Easter weekend doing the deed. Thanks Al!

Hockey and Easter

We finished our hockey tournament this weekend (wasn't the weather warmer today-Didn't I tell ya). Nik lost a tooth (he knocked it out himself) and broke his hockey skate with three minutes to go in the third period. A puck hit the dial on his skate and it blew apart.

Thanks so much to his coach who did a quick repair job on his skate. Nik was able to participate in the shoot out and scored a goal.

Easter goodies
Eddy ate the cookies we left for the Easter bunny. The Easter bunny was forgiving and left our puppy a milkbone treat. Eddy slept with us last night like he usually does. However we had to keep our door closed so he wouldn't steal any of Nik's Easter treats.

Still waiting on the brochure PDF...

I'm lovin' it

Yum. I tried the new McD's chicken snack wrap and it is yummy. The wrap is 320 calories but since I didn't have the ranch dressing it surely was less calories. Yummy I tell you.

Easter and hockey
Our boys played hockey on Thursday and lost 5 to 0. However, this was the best game I ever saw them play. The boys played hard and smart. The other team (we are playing against all older kids) was just stronger and faster. We tied our next game and lost the third 8 to 1. Our last game is Saturday morning at 9.

Just waiting for the women's hockey to finish. Then I promise you it will be warmer!

Two reasons why it is so cold out there

I believe it is f-freezing out because:
1. The women's world hockey championship games
2. Nik is in a hockey tournament all this week

Mark my words once these two events are over-heat wave in Winnipeg!

Some meanness
Today I had a conversation with a very pushy person who has "designed" a beautiful brochure. I'm taking bets (they're sending me a PDF of their brochure) on how "beautiful" the brochure actually is. Hint: They once worked for a color-printing company as a sales rep. Yup great training there.

The brochure was also "designed" in Word. Need I say anymore.

Sorry but I just couldn't resist. Just waiting on that PDF...

The final sign of Spring

You wouldn't know it was Spring today cause it is so cold out there but I am convinced it will warm up. Why? Because last night I finally found the bin of winter scarves, mitts etc. that has haunted me all winter long. I knew I had more winter stuff but do you think I could find it? Yes it definitely will get warmer soon.

Cold weather blessing
It makes it a lot easier to pick up Eddy's poop in the backyard.

Go Canada Go!


Team Canada plays the Swiss tonite.

We're back...

I have to admit this spring break was a killer. It started off good. We went to the Forks, saw a movie and did stuff around the house. The Ks were on a roll. Then the cold/flu bug struck and we were down for the count.

We are feeling better now. Wouldn't ya know it. Just in time to head back to work and school.

Sunday blues
We had to call a plumber in at 8 p.m. on Sunday. He was here for hmmm maybe 15 minutes tops and charged us $100 (Nik take note of this possible career choice $$$$). The good news is only our sewer was plugged, nothing major. (I hope).

Our fledgling photographer
Nik spent sometime yesterday taking pictures of the pup. We really like this one. Eddy is always on the lookout for those rabbits!



People are crazy-not just hockey Moms
I read in today's paper about a man from Oregon who, while traveling with his family, felt too cramped in the car and decided to put two of his kids in the trunk. Unbelievable. Let's throw him in the trunk.

I am a CFO

That's right I am a CFO and I never realized it until now. I'm this family's Chief Family Officer and it has been my duty to keep the Ks in line. Alright I am stealing the title from a TLC show but is sure is fun though to call myself a CFO! Crazy hockey moms unite...

On another note
We are really enjoying spring break. We've hung up curtains, pictures, cleaned-out closets and I really, really hope to paint my upstairs spare bedroom. Photos to follow. I've also taken out the rubber boots, shovel and several garbage bags cause I/we hope to tackle the backyard today. I gotta do it before Friday (garbage day). WISH ME LUCK!

This month's pet peeve
Slow drivers. I don't get mad at slow drivers. I figure if they aren't in a hurry why should I be? But I can't stand how when they get to a stop sign they typically don't come to a full stop and sort of just coast through the intersection. Ya think cause they are already driving slow it wouldn't be too much effort to put that foot on the brake and come to a complete stop.

Check it out. I bet ya the next time you are behind someone driving slow they won't come to a full stop.

I told ya spring was here...

Yahoo! Al has finally got the cleaning bug (after almost 22 years of marriage) and he has been freely giving away/throwing out stuff.

I don't have to sneak it out in black garbage bags and make a run to the local dumpster or value village anymore.

Now if I can just convince him to buy a new house...maybe in another 22 years. I'm thinking it might be a lot easier just to move than have to deal with Eddy's "backyard treasures".

I'm done working

Okay it just for the rest of March but I am sooo ready to start spring break with my three boys-Al, Nik and Eddy. Just hanging around the city, sleeping in, cleaning, painting and dealing with Eddy's backyard treasures.

They won!

Way to go boys! It sure was an exciting game. Congrats to all. Again I believe hockey Moms are the reason why a team does well. Just a theory...

Observation
Maybe I'm showing my age but I can't believe the lack of email etiquette in coworkers email. Is it too much trouble to have a greeting (Hi) and to finish with a thank-you? Grrrh...Bye and thanks!

Smokin'

Only in Winnipeg I tell ya. Driving home yesterday the pavement was steaming. The temperature outside was around +1°C but with the windchill it was -15°C. Steam was rising from the road warmed by the sun. It was freaky!



Go Garrett Go!
Nik's bud (Garrett) his hockey team is in the 9A2 hockey finals for city champs. They won their first game against Southdale 3 to 2 (in OT). I hope they clinch the title tonight!

Wees bin bad

Yup. I knew my puppy and I were going to pay for being sooo lazy this winter. We haven't spent nearly enough time using that old pooper scooper. If I was smart I would go away for a couple of weeks. Hopefully when I returned all this winter's doggy contributions would be gone.

I wonder how much I could pay my neighbour's son to do the "dirty" work?

These are a few of my favorite things (in the spring)

1. Watching a kid's hockey game when I have no emotional attatchment.


2. Watching a kid's hockey game when I have an emotional attatchment.


3. Long walks with boy and puppy especially with the wonderful smell of spring in the air.


4. When I can finally clean my car and it stays clean.


5. Taking puppy for a walk and he stays clean.


6. Checking to see which perennials survived the winter.


7. Getting the"itch" to buy and grow plants for my garden.

Happy St. Patrick's Day

It's a green, green month. No not the grass (it's still covered with snow). Not the trees and they still don't have leaves (the trees are still naked).

Happy Happy St. Paddy's day everyone! B'gosh, Begorrah. Whatever that means.

Another sign of spring

Two Canada geese flew over my car this morning as I was driving to work. I think they were headed to the frozen pond by the taxation building. Crazy geese. Don't they know it's going to snow tomorrow.

We have been spending time going through all our digital photos (another thing I like to do in the spring). I came across this cute baby puppy photo. Eddy was about 12 weeks old when this was taken.



Have a great weekend everyone.

Championship drive ends

I'm sorry to say but the Vikings lost last night. They are now out of the city championships. It was a great season. The boys worked hard and finished first in the Eastern League and 6th in the City.

Way to go Vikings! Onward to summer and hopefully some soccer.

Puppy's wiggly bum is back

Eddy my crazy two-year old, sheltie, poodle and lab cross dog has got his wiggly back!

We (meaning me) have not been walking him everyday and Eddy has taken it hard. Not only has he packed-on a few pounds (me included) but his body language has changed. He mopes around (As shown in photo). I swear the neighbours hear his heavy sighs.

But this has changed. I have been walking him everyday (okay since Sunday) and he is soooo happy.

I wanted to take a picture of his wiggly bum but it is too wiggly. All the pictures are blurry.

Extra
Hopefully all this walking will work on my jiggly butt!

I can resist no longer

I have resisted the temptation to post a photo of N until now.

This photo was taken just before he assisted on a goal. That's my boy. (#10) Thanks to Lora for this photo.

Confession
Okay I have to admit I posted this photo only because I couldn't think of anything clever/new to post on my blog. Oh the pressure to post...

Vikings win big. Shutout Glenwood

The boys played their game last nite. They skated and backchecked their way to a 3 to 0 shutout. My boy got two assists and one penalty. We are back at the rink on Wednesday to play against Dakota.

Go Vikings Go!

No longer a SQL virgin

Yes sireee I can now say I have developed and run my first SQL query.
The pressure is off.

Now if I can just explain in ten words or less to family and friends just what SQL is...

Move, renovate or decorate. That is the question.

It's official. Spring is here. How do I know? Well I have the spring bug which makes me want to either buy a new house, tear down walls or paint. I get this way every spring. It doesn't help that the Parade of Homes and the Home Expression show started this weekend.

Darn that it is Sunday. Home Depot and Rona don't open until noon.

Victorious Vikings

I can sleep tonite cause N's team won their third playoff game! Way to go boys.

However I will be wide awake on Sunday nite because of two reasons:
1. I have to go to work the next day
2. N's next game is on Monday

On another note
It was sure nice to see the sunshine today. So much for my clean car.
Off to do laundry, clean and maybe even a little nap before N's friend arrives for a sleep over.

Finally opening our Christmas gifts

Opening our xmas gifts in March was sooooo much fun!

The Ks are so lucky to have such a wonderful friend like Laurie. We were showered with goodies, candles, games and clothing!! We're soooo happy!!

Have a good weekend everyone. Off to hockey practice in prep for the big game tomorrow.

Toodles....

Sad moment

I know, I know it is just a hockey game, but Nik's team lost a heart-breaker yesterday against Fort Garry. The Vikings started out slow and never really recovered. We ended up losing 3 to 2. Onward to the finals through the B division!

Observation
The canteen at the Maples arena has good, greasy food. However, two thumbs down to their policy of charging $1 for hot water!

Yipee!! Vikings win big

The South Transcona Vikings were victorious last night! They worked hard to earn another shut-out beating Dakota by 4 to 0. Nik was flying on the ice and earned a Gordie Howe hat-trick (A goal, a penalty {what a goon} and an assist).

Go Vikings go! Next game on March 4.

Yeah! Tyra and the girls are back

A new season of America's Next Top Model starts tonite. My boy and I will be watching the show so don't call us at 8.

I need help

Last night I spent an hour going through all the assorted boxes I have collected.

I have them in all sizes, shapes and colors. They take up half of a closet in my spare room. I just can't let them go. I buy them thinking I will use them for gifts and storage but it never happens.

I need help.

I can very easily give away my son's out-grown clothes, books etc. and don't get me started on all of my husband's "collections" which eventually find their way to the recycle bin. I just can't let my boxes go!

TGIF shout-out

A big birthday hiiiiii to Laurie, who is the best friend a girl could ever have!! You rock, girlfriend! Let's try to open our Christmas gifts this weekend not to mention the birthday gifts as well!

I was thinking...

On a hot, muggy day in Winnipeg, when everyone has their air conditioners going, we are usually asked to conserve energy by turning down our air conditioners. On a cold, wintery day when everyone has their furnances cranked-up, we never hear any media reports about energy consumption concerns. How come they don't ask us to turn down our furnances?

Just wondering...Is it just too cold out for anyone to care?

Yahoo!

This crazy hockey Mom is thrilled to report our son's hockey team clinched the Winnipeg regular season divisional title today!

Go Vikings Go! Onward to the playoffs! I don't think I can shave my legs for the rest of the season. Wait a minute...I haven't shaved them all winter. Hmmm...I may have to open a new razor.


Check out the Vikings Web site.

It's about time

Hey all. Check out this newstory on MSNBC.

Now if they could only find a way for me to stay at home and still get paid...

Wow I was very angry at work today so I started to blog

I was so mad at work today that I decided to do something perhaps a litte more constructive then just seething at my desk and so I started my first blog. I guess I will have to wait and see if this was a good choice or not.

People (especially people who just think about themselves) can be so unfair.

Lesson learned for today-Think before you do things. I can be my own worse enemy. Don't ask.

Observation
A lot of people don't like Martha Stewart. I don't know if I like her either. I think I may have started to like her because so many people don't.

I know get back to work....