Darci's Ramblings

Transitions

2012-01-30T18:22:00.001-08:00

Whoops.. I took a little unintended blogging break. It always happens that when I am trying to keep things under wraps I run out of bloggy fodder.
Since January 4th I have: quit the pizza delivery job, packed up my belongings, moved back to Terrace, moved into my brothers suite, packed up his belongings (haven't quite got them moved into the attic yet) Unpacked and sorted through my mountains of clothes, played mom for two weeks, shoveled way too much snow, procrastinated finding a job, decided to move on with my life and grant Mr. Darcy a divorce, won and lost at Monopoly, Crib, Trivial Pursuit, Crazy Eight Countdown and Scrabble.

That about sums up my life for the past 26 days. So now that you are all caught up, how has life been for you?

I am going to attempt to comment more on blogs, but our internet connection is finicky at best. So for now I'm sitting at the library.

fessing up about food n fears.

2012-01-04T22:55:00.000-08:00

I bought a gym pass a few weeks ago, and have been working out regularly.
It feels great, and the gym here in Chetty is lovely and huge. Plus I have been going in the sauna and then treading water for a few minutes to cool off and then finishing it all with a soak in the hot tub. Between that and cutting way back on how much food I'm consuming when I'm not hungry, I've managed to lose 8 lbs!!! Needless to say I'm very excited. I couldn't believe it when I stepped on the scale and I wasn't in the 140-150 range.

It's been an interesting journey. Making myself stop and think before chowing down on whatever was at hand when I became frustrated/irritated/bored/stressed.
Also going into the pool and having to wear a bathing suit has helped changed my perspective on my body. For some reason I see myself as heavy. Not fat, but heavier then I want to be. But lately I've realized this is skewed. I may not be thin when I compare myself to my younger sisters, but I need to realized that my curves don't make me fat. That being said I did take my measurements recently, which was slightly depressing, because I was hoping for smaller numbers. But I am trying to take into account, that I haven't been taking proper care of my body, and it took time to get where I am, and it will take time to arrive at my goal.

While finishing my workout in the pool recently, I was digging deeper into my thoughts. I realized I am afraid of a few things. Normally I would tell you that I'm not afraid of anything. End of discussion. Which is true in the physical sense. I don't fear bad guys, wild animals, walking in the dark. or even death. But I do fear emotional things.

Like making the wrong choice
Letting people down (Boss, parents, people in authority over me)
Losing my parents and siblings
That people may not like me, if they really knew me. (this one stems from suffering rejection and believing the lies I've been told about myself)

It was very freeing to admit this to myself. That they don't have to rule my life, because some of them are things I can't control and some are things I'm going to do either way and I can't live second guessing myself constantly.

I promise a real post soon.

2012-01-02T11:45:00.001-08:00

A couple goes on vacation to a fishing resort in northern Alberta. The husband likes to fish at the crack of dawn. The wife likes to read. One morning the husband returns after several hours of fishing and decides to take a short nap. Although she isn't familiar with the lake, the wife decides to take the boat. She motors out a short distance, anchors, and continues to read her book. Along comes the game warden in his boat. He pulls up alongside her and says,"Good morning, Ma'am, what are you doing?" "Reading my book," she replies, thinking isn't that obvious? "You're in a restricted fishing area," he informs her. "But officer, I'm not fishing. Can't you see that?" "Yes, but you have all the equipment. I'll have to take you in and write you up." "If you do that, I'll have to charge you with rape," says the woman. "But I haven't even touched you," says the game warden. "That's true, but you do have all the equipment." MORAL: Never argue with a woman who reads.

Safe n sound

2011-12-24T22:29:00.001-08:00

Best laid plans of men and mice, oft go awry.

I had a plan all worked out for going home for Christmas. But through a series of events. I ended up agreeing to stay here and let my sister drive up.
But of course she wants to spend time with the bf. So I decided to spend time in Dawson catching up with dear friends.
Tomorrow has many possibilities.
Being impulsive can be fun, more fun then doing what you should. (that is another blog post for later)
Merry Christmas.

Jackie Evancho - I'll Be Home For Christmas

2011-12-24T02:44:00.000-08:00

This goes out to my family, who I tried to get home to see. But the circumstances didn't work out. So in my dreams.

The one where my car and I have adventures.

2011-12-21T09:21:00.000-08:00

The other night, while listening to the radio, the announcer Dave said they would play some music they haven't played in a while. My thoughts were " Finally" Because the song Red Solo Cup had played one too many times for my liking. So I text-ed the radio station to say thank you (not while I was driving of course) Then I received a text back, which made me smile. A few minutes later I had another delivery, so I hopped in the car just in time to hear Dave mention a text they received from a listener named Darci. I was shocked. Needless to say it made my night. It's the little things in life.

A few nights later, I delivered a pizza to some guys playing poker and was invited into help eat the pizza and play. I declined "Saying that I would love to stay and play but that my boss wouldn't be happy about me quitting four hours earlier" A few hours later I had a delivery way out in the middle of nowhere, and I'm hunting for the address. I went up a steep winding driveway and realized it wasn't the house I was looking for. Instead of doing the smart thing, which would have been continue up the driveway and turn around, I proceeded to back down the driveway right into a ditch. For some reason I thought I needed to go left, when in reality if I would have kept the wheel straight for another few meters I would've been fine. In the end some friends pulled my car back on to the driveway. Thankfully there was no damage but because of the culvert behind my tires I couldn't go forward, and with the little bit of snow and incline I couldn't drive forward either. I felt just a little bit dumb.

But not nearly as dumb as when I left my car running and in neutral (I'm afraid the E brake will stick again if I use it) I tested it for at least 30 seconds and thought it was fine.

So there I am standing in the lobby of an apartment building, playing with my phone waiting for the guy to come down and get his pizza and I hear the sound of snow crunching under car tires. I glance up to see my car slowly rolling towards the telephone pole. I put the pizza down and literally threw myself out the door, down the steps. Somehow I managed to get my car door open, and my foot on the brake. After taking a deep breath or two, I put it in first, started it up and drove back up to were I was originally parked.

About this time the customer comes into the lobby and saw the pizza (in it's warmer sitting on the floor) and me walking back up the stairs. He gives me a funny look, so I explained what happened and why I was a wee bit shaky. After reassuring him that I was fine, I left.

Later I looked at my bumper and it was also fine. I was about 6 inches away from a dented bumper, which would go nicely with the hole I put there a few years ago.

Two blonde moments in a week is about my limit. I don't think I can handle the stress of any more.

silver streaks

2011-12-19T14:03:00.000-08:00

Brushed out up-do!

Why do the 5 silver hairs I've found on my scalp mortify me? They make me want to color my hair. But I like my natural color. I am trying to embrace them. But they are very noticeable to me. I see them every time I am pulling my hair back in the mirror.

I like my hair in general when I take the time to do it. But I'm hitting that point again, where I want to do something funky.
The last time this happened I ended up with dreads, which only lasted for 3 months, because I found they were too much work, and I wanted to find employment and was afraid of the first impression I would make. Which is silly now looking in retrospect because I didn't get a job until May 2011 which was cooking at camp and then I would've fit right in this year! (two girls had dreads put in at camp but ended taking them out after about 6 weeks-12 weeks)

Although, if I had dreads I would've never been able to do this with my hair :

Any suggestions on what I should try next? I'm tempted to do a wacky hair color, or go short and sassy again.

Right now I wear my hair pulled back most of the time, because I have to wear a dorky visor at work and it's more food safe.

Are you my facebook friend? Then you have seen these photos. Otherwise check'em out.

Eerie trees

2011-12-17T04:11:00.001-08:00

Eerie trees

Eerie trees
Originally uploaded by jadekitty

This was also taken at the sunrise, but in B&W it looks haunting and eerie. (well at least it does to me)

Eternal student

2011-12-17T03:34:00.000-08:00

I used to agree with Mr. Darcy that people who never quit going to school and changing majors and accumulating students loans are stupid people.

BUT now I only agree with the amount of debt accumulated. I really, really, really want to go back to school and since I haven't narrowed my choices down, I am self educating by reading books right now and trying to get into a better financial place. I hate having debt, especially since the only thing I have to show for it is life experience, and travel. I was raised smarter then that. But I made dumb choices.

Now I'm trying to make wise choices. One of them I made today was making sure to deposit all my cash into the bank, so I can't blow it at 7-11 on bad tasting Pumpkin spice lattes and M&M's. (because honestly other then food, I don't do any shopping in Chetty)

The second wise choice is to keep reading finance books and blogs like The Simple Dollar. I am almost finished "The five lesson a millionaire taught me for woman" by Richard Paul Evans.

It's easy to understand and only has five principles to apply and doesn't talk about BUDGETING. This has become almost a swear for me. I hate trying to figure out approx how much money I am going to make, and because I didn't have a local bank here for 6 months. Cash wasn't available to put into jars. So I'm going to give up on budgeting for a while and just track my expenditures and go from there to figure out how much I can cut back on my needless spending.

My job is bringing in decent money right now, but I'm thinking I would like to work a few more hours, so I may work at the Subway next door, or apply at one of the other places in town . I figure once I've made the 25 km drive I might as well work as many hours as I can. Because right now my free time is spent watching TV, wasting time on FB, knitting, reading or sleeping.

I really miss having family and close friends around a lot. To the point where it's no longer boredom that I'm suffering from but loneliness.

Which isn't a lot of fun, but I keep repeating to myself "This is only temporary, and for a time, and this too shall pass" Which helps me keep my living in the middle of nowhere in perspective. Some days I win, other days I don't.

In the local chiropractor's office they have this poster, and it really encouraged me.
"Some trees grow very tall and straight and large in the forest, close to each other. But some must stand by themselves or they won't grow at all".

photo credit 1
phtoto credit2

Sunrise.at.Moberly.lake

2011-12-15T08:53:00.001-08:00

gratuity

2011-12-05T16:10:00.001-08:00

Growing up my dad always left a tip and told me the word meant to "To Insure Prompt Service", but after reading the wiki page on Tips, I stand corrected.
With my new job, I get tips. They can range from alright to really good. (although really good normally happens when there is an error)
My highest tip so far is 21.00 on one order. Which was during a crazy busy night, and two gentlemen were arguing over who got the honor of paying the bill. So I solved it by splitting the bill for them, (which was about about $72 each) and they each gave me a tip. My second highest tip was my first night and I learned that wearing my dress coat and smelling good gets $15 tips.
When the weather is nasty outside the tips tend to be higher, and possibly when I'm not wearing my glasses. (I am still experminting with this theory)
When I am driving my own car I get paid per delivery also, so when I don't get a tip from the customer, my fuel is still covered.

This is an interesting read on tipping.
I'm writing this post mostly for feedback.

Do you tip?
What and why do you tip?
When wouldn't you tip?

Thanks for reading!

Selling Stuff?

2011-12-02T14:43:00.001-08:00

I am debating the idea of an Etsy shop with myself. So I figured I would throw the idea out there for y'all to give me feedback on.

I've started reading the Quick-Start Guide, and by the time I finish every post on there, I should be able to ~~teach it~~ have a profitable shop.

I've already decided that 10% of my profits would be donated to some charity as a way of tithing. Possibly sponsoring a child, or something along those lines.

The items I would sell, would be an item I can knit or crochet. I need, need, need to use up some of my yarn stash, so I can buy more!
Right now my favorite thing to make is finger-less gloves, socks, animal toys, dish cloths. I am trying to expand my abilities, and learn how to do cables, and how to use my knitting machine. My dream is to make a sweater, a shawl, a blanket and some cute toque, glove, scarf matching sets.
Maybe some day, I will even feature a quilt or two. If I ever get started :) I'm afraid to start, because it's an expensive addiction, and not one that is very transportable. On that note, last night a gentleman came into the store while I was on break, I was writing a letter, but I had a quilting magazine open in front of me, and he struck up a conversation with me. He told me his wife just passed away, and he has so much fabric, an expensive sewing machine and piles of magazines. He also compared it to a addiction, to which I replied at least it's a some what healthy one? At the end of the conversation he had offered to drop off some magazines for me! It was a very cool experience. But I couldn't help but grieve for him, to have lost his life partner a week earlier, although I have no idea the background on their relationship.

Must be getting myself ready for work. Till next time,
Thanks for reading and commenting!

Adjusting

2011-12-01T11:23:00.001-08:00

This is the first time I've lived all by myself in my whole life. (I did have my own "place for a month or two when I was 18, but my aunt lived in the next building) It is so strange. I am not lonely yet. But I find myself feeling bored. Which is akin to a swear in our family. You never utter it, because if you did, Mom always found work for you to do. So even to admit that I'm bored when I am not working feels strange.

I find I am filling my time with catching up on TV shows and knitting, chatting, wasting time on facebook games, reading and thinking about baking & quilting.

I hate moving to a new place, because it feels like I just get all my baking supplies amassed and then I am moving and giving them away, or trying to use them up quickly. Lately I've been craving cookies, biscuits, cake, pie.. All the things I'm trying to avoid.

Newie Poutine.

Which leads me to realize that I'm eating out of boredom and or self medicating with food. I recently read a book called Women, Food & God. *link is fixed, Thanks Ben! It was very thought provoking and I don't agree with her ideas about God.
It made me realized that I have a hard time sitting down and eating. I eat in the car, or while I at the computer, while I watch a show, or standing by the counter. I feel the need to be in a constant state of movement. So I am very slowly trying to break that habit so that I can stop eating when I am full, because right now I am compeletly missing the signals. The end result of that is weighing 147 lb at last weigh in. Which to me is really heavy, because I'm used to being somewhere around 127-135 and I'm tried of hearing but you look great. When I know that my chest and stomach are covered in more layers of fat then nesscessary. Part of my issues stem from not having the will power to work out, mostly because my emotional state is numb and I enjoy food and why can't I indulge in the one thiing that I lovee that won't leave me.

After camp was done (end of August) and everyone went home, Loren was still there with me. It was so lovely to have a roomie. We entertained one another, took trips into Chetty to visit the library and spend hours playing wheel of fortune together. I even had the motivation to cook, because I knew someone else would enjoy it. To be honest I HATE cooking, it feels like work. Although this summer when I was cooking as Head Cook and it was my job, I enjoyed it :P

I have this attitude about things that aren't work but feel like work to me. I avoid them like the plague. Thus the reason I shut my blog down for the summer. I enjoy writing but I didn't want the self inflicted preesure of having to post at least once a week. Now it no longer feels like work, but a way of communicating with all my long distances friends.

So on that note I'm off to work out at the gym!

Thanks for reading.

2011-11-29T11:22:00.001-08:00

Hello out there!
In the past nine months, I've moved to Northern BC. Worked at two different jobs, and dealt with a lot of stress. Traveled over 3,000 kms, and spent a lot of time debating where I am moving to next, and if I was even moving. So for now, I'm living at Camp Sagitawa. Working a few hours a week for the camp and delivering pizza in Chetwynd.

And this is my 397th post. But only my second post for 2011 :)

3 Year Mark

2011-02-08T12:14:00.000-08:00

I wrote this three years ago. Sadly it hold true again today.
I'm in BC and he's on a bus to the East Coast with an offer of a job. Do I know what the future holds? No, but I love him dearly, and hurts like hell to have the other half of my heart so far away.

So Broken..

Watching the pieces of my heart fall to

the floor and smash into little shards.

Why did you? Why did I?

Shocked, frozen, melting down.

Numbness spreading. Anger trying to take over.

Realizing nope.

That's only hurt. Not burying it.. Let it happen.

Must Grow, or wilt.

Not going backwards this time or ever again.

Fighting for what I want.

Believing my God is bigger then my fears.

Plan B?

Whoops out the window.

Wasn't right anyways.

Hanging by the threads called family.

I will Survive.

But I want you by my side.

Now and forever.

Please return my love to me.

Safe and sound in your perfect timing.

Working backwards part 2

2010-12-31T12:43:00.000-08:00

So we arrived in Whistle Village and got Moriah and Caleb bundled off up the gondola, Aaron and I slushed around the interesting little shops, and attempted to find the natural playground. The weather varied between, rain, snow, and wet slop. Poor Aaron had forgotten his boots at home, so was wearing Caleb's runners, so he had to wet but warm feet. I thankfully had these lovely knee high boots that I received as a Christmas gift. The lovely info ladies directed us into the conference center, which had bouncy houses, and games set up. It was very awesome and totally free. Poor T was afraid of all the blow up stuff, I'm guessing mainly because of the number of larger and rougher children running around. So we entertained her for a while and she started to get sleepy so we trundled off, and she feel asleep in the stroller albeit without her boots. I know, Bad auntie.
I bought a lot of chocolate and other expensive things that day, and we enjoyed Ice wine truffles from Rogers(which originated in Victoria, and is celebrating it's 125th anniversary)
After about three hours, we got a message saying we are headed down the hill. An hour later after collecting chairs and sit skis we finally battle our way out into traffic. Sadly it was so stressful we decided to skip Fire & Ice. Instead I took a nap and got ready to go dancing. Sadly when we finally found a bar that inhabited, the first one had 2 people standing at the bar talking to the bar tender, it was close to midnight, and the bars close at 1am, well at least they did on Sunday night. The only interesting thing was this dude named Chris who introduced himself to Caleb and then proceeded to hit on him. Caleb used us as distraction and turns out Chris was with his siblings too, so we danced half a song with them and then headed out, but before Chris left he decided to give me a hug, and it wasn't your 3 sec I don't know you.. it was longer.. almost uncomfortably long. I was like whatever, in the moment, but then when talking on the way home realized, Caleb had no idea who the guy was. It gave us all a good laugh.

more to come because I need to stop pounding away on my keyboard.

Let's all extend a warm welcome...

2010-12-30T18:41:00.000-08:00

My dear friend from home has started blogging.
Let me introduce Monstars Mom!

Now I wonder if I have a photo of her.. let me go dig around.

Oh, look I found one. :)

Working backwards part 1

2010-12-30T11:31:00.000-08:00

Now that I actually have something to write about, I start to drag my feet then I'll be complaining in my brain that I have nothing to write about again, because all I am doing is playing farmville, watching Gossip Girl, picking up books after the baby and reading novels.

So on to my brag worthy news.

I spent my Christmas in Whistler!

To make it short, Caleb (the sit skiing brother) is living in the Athletes village and then traveling around the country and neighboring countries competing. So we rounded up all three siblings and the best friend and baby minion and packed a lot of food.

We arrived around 4 pm, should have been closer to noon. Aaron and I whipped up two lasagnas, one for the freezer and one for dinner. I thought about making potato soup, totally should have because I was too tired to the next night, and we ate lasagna again and debated about getting back out into the snowy awful roads.

But I'm getting ahead of myself. We had my fake wine and played games after dinner, had some good laughs and stayed up way too late.

Moriah and Caleb rolled out of bed, and I was texted asking why wasn't I making the blueberry pancakes, which didn't seem wholly fair to me, since I was to be babysitting and trying to amuse myself in Whistler instead of cruising down the hills. So I made them start cooking and I came down to finish. Oh the highlight of my sleep was not being bitten by a strange bug, and hearing the rain pound on the windows/roof.

Could've have.

2010-12-29T18:14:00.000-08:00

Because I'm procrastinating about actually writing a post or two about my holidays, I am going to supply you with photos I took during the 7 day challenge. Not all are 7 day challenge worthy, just interesting to me. A few were taken by my niece.

Now I would've love to ride in this as kids with my 11 siblings.

Notice the Sign?! What does it spell backwards?

American road which runs by Abbey

7 Days - Day 7

2010-12-25T00:43:00.003-08:00

7 Days - Day 7
Originally uploaded by jadekitty

Today was a chill day, mostly trying to make a list of everything I would need for food. Because I'm spending Christmas in Whistler with two of my brothers and my best friend. We are hoping to get in some snowboarding, but we are in the middle of a storm. Mostly likely the one that was battering California. This is our only Christmas Decoration, neither of us was really into decorating but I packed this all the way from home this summer and was determined to enjoy it, and I have.
Merry Christmas everyone!

7 Days - Day 6

2010-12-24T00:43:00.004-08:00

7 Days - Day 6
Originally uploaded by jadekitty

While driving the back to Abbey today, I learned that it actually borders the U.S. I lived there for 5 months and had no idea of this. So of course I had to take a photo of this lovely sign. My only regret is not peaking around the other side to see if it said United States. Later I was told "oh yeah, they have heat sensor and cameras along here." Gee thanks. Also I got to see the property where they busted the guys who had tunnelled a crossed to the U.S. to smuggle drugs, it was only two blocks from the border crossing. Geniuses, they were not. We also drove by the property which was used in Smallville as the farm.

7 Days - Day 5 - Festive

2010-12-24T00:42:00.002-08:00

7 Days - Day 5 - Festive
Originally uploaded by jadekitty

Super busy day- Started off with going to Body Worlds, and then touring around to Value Village looking for treasures, which we found! Then off to get Gelato and then not having enough balls to get into the right lane made me have go around the block, which was a happy accident because I found this house!

I clicked off a few photos, then I heard a door slam and didn't feel like explaining myself, so I hop in the car and successfully made to the second Value Village.
We rounded the night off with amazing Thai food and the third Chronicles of Narina movie: Voyage of the Dawn Treader.

Therefore the reason this is late.. I didn't go on my computer all day.

7 Days -Day 4

2010-12-24T00:40:00.000-08:00

7 Days -Day 4
Originally uploaded by jadekitty

Today was a really lazy day, I couldn't quite get my focus together, trying to plan Christmas Dinner in Whistler, I think we landed on lasagna. Later I watched a lot the Mentalist and then I finally found the energy to bake (I've made so many cookies lately) So I whipped up these Pecan Turtle bars, first time trying them. Then some Cranberry pie, and now because I'm crazy, I'm hoping in the car to go pick someone one. about 80 km away.

7 Days - Day 3

2010-12-20T19:09:00.002-08:00

7 Days - Day 3
Originally uploaded by jadekitty

Today hated me. I woke up really late, I couldn't find dried cranberries at Safeway, my brothers truck was dead when I went to pick it up. But the highlight of my day, my sister and niece are flying to Calgary to spend Christmas, and I was able to see them on the layover. Sadly the lighting at this statue was dim and my camera hates dim lighting so no photo of all three of us.

7 Days - Day 2

2010-12-20T18:52:00.000-08:00

So I'm a day late.. I know.. But the Survivor Finale and I couldn't find the second cable to connect up the TV so I had to disconnect the Internet, and totally forgot to upload. Oh and the theme was Bright

The baby has been sick for the past two day and not sleeping well, which means she is keeping us up too. So I took her for a long walk. Mama was able to get a nap in and baby slept for longer then 15 minutes. Double win.

Other Bright photos..

Not sure what's going on with my eye lid

7 Days - Day 1

2010-12-18T21:46:00.002-08:00

7 Days - Day 1
Originally uploaded by jadekitty

I am participating in 7 Days on Flickr.
Lots of cool people are doing it. Like Bethany, Jen, SAJ

Caption : I've moved to a new place in the lower mainland, and my roomie took me to the Fraser River, and sadly it's nothing like the river I grew up with, and it's very dreary at this time of the year. But I love walking on the rocks and exploring.

so this is what happens..

2010-12-10T13:50:00.000-08:00


Note to self, take next before photo when dry.

When my brother comes by to hang out:

Dinner

Let's get smashed! pie.

Ps. Bonnie this one is for you, light on words and heavy on photos :)

Blue cotton tears.

2010-11-18T14:47:00.000-08:00

photo borrowed from here

I am in the middle of transforming some my jeans. I'm hoping for one pair will be skinny jeans, and the others hemmed. I counted 9 pairs of jeans and I've been moving towards a more feminine style of dressing. On that note, I have taken photos of my 50% off day finds, No, I'm not wearing any of them, because my photographer is busy playing w.o.w. and seeing as the last time I badgered him into snapping a few, I liked all my self portraits better.

Update 1 hour later: After lots of pinning and poking myself, and taking before photos; I've scrapped the idea of skinny jeans for now. My body shape just doesn't seem attractive to me when I see my reflection wearing skinny jeans. I may take some of the flare off two of the pairs though. So I will stick to my leggings/tight collection for now, but AE is having a sale on the 21st and I really want a pair of Jeggings.

Update 12 hours later: My pants are pinned. Now to be tried on and stitched. But I'm bored already. The thought hit me, Why am I doing the mundane when I could be designing a quilt or starting socks. Oh yeah, because hemming scares me less. Gone to work on my socks for two hours. Why? Because then my raspberries will be ready to harvest.

Remember my post on pie?

Well I ended up with 4 types of pie in the house and some cookies, and that was bad. But tasty. So I handed off the Sour Cream Pear Pie to the MiL, after reading there was other 500 calories per slice, I couldn't work up any desire for it. The cranberry one turned out under baked (this is the third time I've made it). So guess what I had for breakfast?!

taking baby steps

2010-11-17T22:43:00.001-08:00

I took the bus to a yarn shop I spotted the day. I swear I did a search when I first moved here and couldn't find anything. Apparently I didn't look hard enough. /Facepalm

I made it there ten minutes before closing time, and lingered over all the lovely sock yarns and I gotta say, if I make through knitting two socks, this will be the most expensive pair of socks I own. Then I wandered off towards the library and instantly got distracted by a quilting store, I've had to this itch to make a quilt. Now I've had two sewing machines sitting in my living room for a few months now, and other then mess around with a pillow case, I haven't touched them. Something to do with TV shows/Internet. I purchased 2 fat quarters and 2 half meters totaling 28.00 worth of material, and now I have to create a design. Insert panic and blank mind.

side note: I wanted to use bite the bullet as my title (because that was the phrase running through my head during this outing) but as a little wiki research, it totally didn't apply to yesterday. Although it does apply to this month and my personal life. But thats depressing, another day and post.

Christmas in the air already?

2010-11-14T01:09:00.000-08:00

Maybe it's just Abbey but I've seen people talking about putting up their tree on Facebook. Why? it's still 6 weeks away. I spent all of Rememberance day huddled in my chair watching t.v. and the next day I wandered out to check the mail and someone had decorated our mantel (we have these little lobby areas by the elevator) and so I had to check the third floor, and sure enough. I would have photos for y'all but I can't seem to find my camera, ~~I haven't bothered to look really hard~~.
I do have pie on the brain lately. (Doesn't help that I get this email Pie Countdown everyday) Today I whipped up a blackberry/blueberry combo, which to me was a little bit of fail, since the juices really made a soup in the crust. I picked a random recipe and yeah.. Not loving it.
I have the makings for Key Lime and Sour Cream Pear Pie, and I this one is tempting me.. I wish I had people to eat pie.. I think maybe my internal American is wanting to celebrate Thanksgiving again. Something about not getting my pumpkin pie just wasn't right. I had one small pumpkin tart while at home, but that just wasn't enough.
I tried a crustless cranberry pie, and it's amazing, although to me it's more like a bread/coffee cake. Mr.Darcy was craving chocolate, I wasn't feeling sympathetic because I had just popped the pie into the oven. But after trying a bite, he has found his new favourite food!
Does anyone have any family favourites or holiday foods they make at this time of the year?

Twenty Four

2010-11-08T14:23:00.000-08:00

Yea for November birthdays!

This used to be the first of the many until Miss Birdy was born 3 years ago and usurped the title.

This past year has been pretty huge for him. He graduated from Blanche MacDonald with honours and is officially a hair stylist. I'm really proud of you, little brother!

I remember the days around when he was born because we also got power at our homestead.

Hope you have lots of fun today, and this next year is filled with great memories. Love you.

Happy Birthday Aaron!

Where's Waldo

2010-10-09T13:16:00.000-07:00

I'm sorry for the long absences. Most days my life feels too boring to blog about. That's the honest truth.. Generally if I have anything to say, it's posted on face book these days, but I'm back with some news!

In knitting news:
I'm working on the blanket I started back in June, it's only about two inches so far, because I am designing it as I go.

One of the two finished cloths

UFO.... (can you tell what the design is?)

I've finished two dish clothes and have one for my mom on the needles but I was really tired one night and now I can't seem to figure out where I left off. Every time I knit 3 rows I realize, I started on the wrong side. There is only 10 rows left. So I started a fall cloth. So far it's easy! I just wish I had some orange or brown yarn. But I am refraining from spending more money on yarn. Abbey doesn't seem to have a L.Y.S. I was cheated feeling when I realized what I thought was a yarn store, was actually just a store front for a movie or commercial that someone was filming.
Knitwits Heaven has some great photos of Fall/Halloween dishcloths if your looking for inspiration :)

British Columbia

I am thinking I might cast on a few of these Province/State dish cloths.
Now I just need to find a sock class or a teacher. I own Wendy's book, but I'm noob at knitting in the round. My only attempt was a hat that was oddly proportioned.

Last Friday we picked up my car, it made it back to Abbey just fine. Although it does need some repairs. I smile every time I look out the window and see it parked below.


James, Tara, Aaron-(Brother) ~Stylists~

Saturday was Aaron's graduation from Blanche Macdonald as a hair stylist. I was excited to be able to attend, I also got to visit with my bestie Moriah and her adorable daughter TaSeti. It was very long bus ride there and back, but totally worth it. Congratulations little brother! He is going to be cutting my hair as soon as I get my dreads out. (yes, the day has come already)

I whipped up a wreath, but sadly it's not quite right, so I'm off to go find some twigs. First I'll check the second hand store down the street, then I'm taking my scissors into the bush and stealing some young tree's limbs.

This is a dress that I found at V.V. a while back, but it's very oddly shaped. The arm holes aren't quite big enough and the dress is very when on. So I want to belt it, but I have no idea what to use. A scarf, a wide belt, a thin one? I want to wear it on tomorrow for Thanksgiving dinner, plus I found some awesome shoes yesterday. I'll snap a picture of the outfit and post it later. Speaking of posting outfits, have you tried this website www.gotryiton.com? So much fun.

New dress

This month is my mom's birthday, so I am going to be taking a very long bus ride (22 hours) back home. Then thankfully I'll be road tripping it back with Caleb. So I shall be doing lots of knitting and reading 9 days from now.

My brother-in-law landed an awesome job in Calgary, so my little birdy and her mother will be following him there after the house sells. It's great news for them, but not so much for my family. I know my parents and siblings are going to miss them like crazy. Technically for me, it will be kinda great, becuase flights from Van to Calgary are less then from Terrace :)

Well I've procrastinating with this blog post, I should be walking up to the store to buy ingredients for my Thanksgiving contributions.

Happy Thanksgiving Canada!

*copied from here

here

Jammin Jubilee

2010-09-25T14:50:00.000-07:00

Old Grey Mare

So far we've heard an Elvis impersonator, Old Grey Mare, You say Party! and a few others, every Thursday night for six weeks (July/Aug). They have a few jewelry vendors who are there too, one with a necklace which is tempting me.

Knife Juggling - So hard to capture

You say Party!

Etsy Finds Friday

2010-09-24T19:24:00.000-07:00

There is an upcoming family birthday. So I am scouring the web for cool gifts. Here are some of my finds.

Not on Etsy

Spoilt

Cookie Loves Milk

www.threadless.com

No more rentals for me

2010-09-22T13:04:00.000-07:00

http://www.cbc.ca/money/story/2010/09/22/netflix-canada.html

I may even give up my streaming tv shows for this!!
Great news for Canada :)

My fav line is that Rogers is going to evolve their movie rental stores.
Mass Media here is a news flash. It's Evolve or die...

Canadian Business - Sex isn't selling

Response to Sex isn't Selling

The days you don't want to get outta bed

2010-09-08T18:45:00.000-07:00

I think I had one of those days yesterday. I found out the Magee's had a beautiful baby, this baby has been waited for, cried over, and prophetical been announced for as many years as I can remember. This day should have been so full of joy and happiness. But earlier that morning (1am-ish) I had read Kylie's status update of PRAY. Which I had already been feeling burdened about and I didn't know why. So I prayed, finished my book, waited for my sleep aid to kick in and prayed some more. Finally I feel into a restless sleep. I awoke around 10am knowing I had to harvest my farm. (I am so throughly addicted, it's sad) I seen Kylie had posted :Safe in the arms of jesus! Which made me want bawl my eyes out. I can't even imagine the grief or anything that they are going through right now. They have gone through so many ups and downs. They had 5 precious months with him. It was a bittersweet day to hear of a new life and one that went on to a place of no more pain or tears.

So much is always happening around me, when I want to be come self absorbed in the little things that hurt me, it only takes something like this to remind me that there are people suffering to much greater degree, and also people celebrating greatly.

These are my verses of promise, they have carried me through some very hard times.

Revelation 21:3-7

³ I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, “Look, God’s home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them.^[a] ⁴ He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.”

⁵ And the one sitting on the throne said, “Look, I am making everything new!” And then he said to me, “Write this down, for what I tell you is trustworthy and true.” ⁶ And he also said, “It is finished! I am the Alpha and the Omega—the Beginning and the End. To all who are thirsty I will give freely from the springs of the water of life. ⁷ All who are victorious will inherit all these blessings, and I will be their God, and they will be my children.

Ecclesiastes 3:11
He has made everything beautiful in its time. He also has planted eternity in men's hearts and minds [a divinely implanted sense of a purpose working through the ages which nothing under the sun but God alone can satisfy], yet so that men cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end.

Color my world

2010-09-04T02:21:00.000-07:00

I think I've finally settled on the colors I want. Well mostly settled. I spent an hour chatting with a colorist builting a palette.
I am going with three shades for the bathroom, starting at Lemon Drops then on to Nacho Cheese and ending with Butterscotch. Lemon Drops or Slient Night Grey for the bedroom with Enchanted & Darkest Grape, and Jamaican Aqua Blue with Lemon Drops yellow for the second bedroom, and a Darkest Grape purple wall in the living room. With fabric accents of Venezulean sea & Gyspy pink. (go here to see the color fan)I am going to take before and after pics, so eventually you will get to see it :) Ahem, sorry got a little distracted with the Benjamin Moore site.
So now I just need to show my picks to the landlord and see if they faint dead away.

I am excited to get working on this, because we've offically been in the place for two months, and the color in here, is boring me to death.

AgriFair

2010-08-31T20:43:00.000-07:00

We went on the Sunday afternoon and there was so much to look at that see, I loved the photography and quilting exhibits. They had a chef doing some cooking and talking about garnish and why you should. I talked to a pro life group, and stupidly didn't get a chance to connect with the Partylite lady, but I found a Norwex distributor and a few others. I went to my first rodeo and wowzers that was an experience, I cringed a lot doing the bronco and bull riding. Brain damage has to be on the injury list. The Flying Fools High Dive Act was awesome, if you get the chance to seem them I highly recommend it. Check out higher quality photos here, These are from Penticton. We went back to see if they would do the fire part of the show and sadly they didn't, but I found a photo in the flickr line up.

Brian Doerksen played that night but everyone was pretty tired so we only stayed for two songs, but so worth it.

http://www.agrifair.ca/

Cancer Survivor

85 Ft High dive, 10 foot pool

For some reason I hate the way this shirt looks on me... My boobs look huge and it's pinching my waist all funny. Is it just me being judgemental?

Snack run

2010-08-30T21:53:00.000-07:00

The other night I started craving chocolate and I tried to suffice it by eating chips. Didn't work, and I ate half the bag. So I convinced Mr.Darcy to walk to the local 7-11 with me. It's a scary road some nights. I think we seen a hooker. At least it was a girl in a really high heels and acting very very strange. Wish I had it on video. Anyways so we are walking home and we pass a creepy guy and girl on the sidewalk. They offered to sell us some pot. The only thing that went through my head was "geez, that would just make my munchies worse".
I have decided that there is no walking alone on this road after 5pm. Because even at 4 it's kinda scary.

**Disclaimer: I've never smoked pot or bought it and have no desire to do so.

Give Aways

2010-08-30T21:49:00.000-07:00

joy ever after --- Water Bottle

She had a lovely smelly soap giveaway a few weeks ago and I won it!!

Trying for a second win.

Sarah Markley - Necklace giveaway

Day 4

2010-08-17T05:06:00.000-07:00

Let the celebrations continue :)
I am one of those people who would like a week long celebration :)
My M-I-L bought me a lovely herb garden and if the 3 hours of sun exposure hadn't made it look sad, I would be posting a photo. So after it's recuperated a litter and I figure out how to get rid of the little bugs I found tonight, I will go shoot it.

So why I didn't think of writing a birthday wish list before this.. I don't know. But number one on the list

Get my car running
New lululemon hoodie or shorts
A sewing machine plus quilting materials
A diag for my aching right wrist
A SUPER DUPER JOB

Thats all I can think of for now :)

**Photo courtesty of Canadian Driver

10,227 Days

2010-08-16T12:36:00.000-07:00

But in my alternative reality I'm only 26.

17 already

2010-08-07T03:21:00.001-07:00

2007?

Nicaragua 2009?

Pro Gymnastics

Camp Sagitawa 2010

Where has the time gone?

From the little youngster who reprogrammed all of Mega ball's level to be dynamite. To the brother who can drive and got his first ticket with me as the responsible adult. He is so grown up with his cute curly hair! Happy Birthday Ezra.

FF

2010-08-06T03:11:00.000-07:00

The lady behind my fav way of blogging can be reached at Half-Past kissing time. Go leave her a comment, she's only got a 100+ to reply to right now! Let's show her some bloggy love.
Ps.Mrs.4444's thanks for inventing this, it's so up my creek.

Challah bread, I found this article and was inspired because this was a pretty easy ingredient wise, plus it didn't need bread pans, and I could braid it. (Since my sisters aren't around now, my fingers feel the need braid.. First it was Mr.Darcy's Hair, now it's bread)
Blueberry roll up, the real name was Blueberry Pigs, but yeah. I don't like that at all. I used a crust recipe that didn't need shortening(grocery stores are a long walk from here) and it was way to thick and flaky, which normally I would love but not for this. Next time I will try the crust recommended.
We have a vacuum! This is very exciting news for me because Daxter loves to shed, and our light carpet was starting to look like it was speckled with black all the time. No matter how many little balls I picked off the carpets! Yea for Great Aunts.
Speaking of which I got to hang out with two of them today, it's really nice to get to know Mr.Darcy's extended family
Paint.... So I need some expert advice and maybe some photo examples of what you would do.. First I need to snap you some photos. See next post or two.
We had a loud thunderstorm followed by about ten min. of rain, which turned into a beautiful sunny day and so I attempted to back bread. But of course by the time the hard work rolls around, I was sweating again. I'm so not used to this weather yet. When it rains it's supposed to get cold not muggy.
We went for dinner at the new favourite Thai place, and we are sitting at the bar and I'm waiting ~~patiently~~ for the mister to pick what he wants and turn his attention to me and my paint chips (more on that later) and who walks in but his parents. So we ended up having a lovely dinner with them.
OH. I hear the evil sound of hairball. Anyone want a cat? I am tempted to shave his fur so that he gets some relief from the heat. All though possibly selfishly so that I don't have to brush him or clean up the messes..
Saturday has two events happening, Rock the river with Franklin Graham and also a family gathering of the MIL's family. So we have to figure which we are going to, and then how we are getting there. Anyone in the GVA should check out the website for the musical event, because they have huge names like Skillet and TFK and more playing, and it's only $10.
I might get to see some friends from camp this month, and maybe even have house guest in a weekend or two. So can't wait ;)
I am weaning myself from FarmVille. It's taking up way too much time. Plus a certain someone wants me to play W.O.W. But I'm fighting the idea tooth and nail. I would rather play StarCraft2 and Guild wars...

Wordless Wednesday

2010-08-04T16:35:00.000-07:00

22 wild years

2010-07-31T16:43:00.000-07:00

This one is the cause of just a few of my dear mama's gray hairs.
Happy Belated Birthday Caleb!!

Dressing up runs deep in the blood

3 weeks after our wedding we went to visit him.

Sit skiing champion!

He is doing something I've always wanted to do

He would live in the river if he could

Did I mention he also can do cool things with his hair. Cool hair also runs in the family!

Birdy and Unca C

This should have been published yesterday but I totally blanked out and forgot I started this like a month ago.

I heard rumor he did crazy things in the water for his birthday.

Wish I could've been there Bro, Miss you. Love you!

Late Edition: Friday Frags

2010-07-30T06:21:00.005-07:00

Head on over Mrs.4444's for more lovely fragments, and someday I'll figure out to how to add her lovely button my posts.

Starting this at crack of dawn was not my idea.. Na, I wanted to do it when I got home, after I edited some photos. But I got sucked into the black hole of "other things" on the internet ~~read:Facebook~~
So lets start with some photos and I'll go from there. First up is the awesome find of Blackberries.
Trying to reach the ripe ones

So next we have the Thursday Night Jams. For about 6 week local bands are playing the park right down the street from me. This week I went and enjoyed the whole night and found a necklace that I'm hoping is still there next time and that I've convinced myself to spend the $38 on.

Jam in Jubilee

Next up some ducks in Mill lake where my bro-in-laws love to fish. I still haven't actually gone to the lake and enjoyed it yet, but I did get to walk a crossed the board walk and we've driven around it. My F-I-L works with Parks and Rec so he likes to tour all the parks in the evening once in a while :)

Home made Reese Peanut Butter Cups

Last but not least, Peanut butter cups - Home Made style. I whipped up a batch of squares for the family picnic but decided that maybe we needed a second batch. Boy what I wrong. We started cutting the first pan up and it made a ton. But I had already started the second batch with a diff recipe and was committed so we made some cups and then I threw the rest into a pan. We ended up with enough to take to my sisters 18th birthday the next day. The picnic was great fun and I got to meet the two newest additions to the family but marriage (that I know of) There are quite a few married cousins with no kids around our age it's really neat coming from a family with not many cousins my age.. Hmm speaking of cousins.

Now that I'm living in the same town as one, maybe I should call them up sometime..

I haven't seen a real day of rain since I drove home with my brother almost two weeks ago, the temps have been anywhere between 24-32, and Lost Lake isn't around the corner any more. I've taken to shutting the curtains from 3-7 pm to keep out the direct sunlight and we just have our windows open 24/7 to let the breeze in.
I took a video of the hallways in our building because I love'em. But I'm afraid it's really dark. But I'll upload it anyways. (see above)
I have a new to me computer thanks to my inlaws! My old beast is sitting beside me minus a power supply. So I'm thinking I shall purchase another power supply and some more ram for the new one and we will be good to go. This one can play movies thankfully mine was being picky. But I still love my old one because it's comfortable albeit slightly unstable and annoying at times. I'm still wishing for a laptop. But at least with some ram I think I may be able to play WoW & G.W. again!! Plus maybe Starcraft2
So we've met our upstairs and downstairs neighbors.. (This is a mostly elderly complex) the Lady upstairs came down to make sure she wasn't disturbing us because she is a night owl. Since we've been keeping a really late schedule it's all good with us. The only I sometimes hear is the floor creaking. Then a few hours later Mr.Darcy was challenging me on the Wii Fit Plus and we get another knock on the door. It's the Downstairs Man, asking up lighten up on the feet. Which I can totally understand one hand, but really irritates me because I don't know how I should play the Wii in the future. Like can I play for an hour and attempt to be quiet and then that brings to mind my concerns about when we watch movies. What exactly can they hear?
Laundry is another thing entirely. I stepped on someones toes by taking their wet blanket and pillows out of the washer and setting them nicely on the dryer. Now if it would've been personals, I wouldn't have touched them. But I was trying to be efficient and get my day going. Well when I came back there was a note posted. To the effect don't touch other peoples laundry and have patience. So I posted this on FB and got back a few different opinions and a few stories of horrible reactions. But what really gets my goat is 3 hours later my stuff is draped all over my living room, because now I want to go out and I still haven't been able to get my stuff into the dryer because the person is still drying stuff. I want to go write on their sign in response. Please be prompt on removal of clothes from machines. But I haven't. YET.
I asked to see paint chips, and I'm thinking I might do the bedroom and bathroom and possibly the guest room/study. So if and when I start that project I will be taking photos. Until then keeping waiting. Cause I don't feel like finishing the unpacking/stashing random junk yet.

Fridays are fun

2010-07-15T21:23:00.000-07:00

Fragments are here!! Visit the lovely Mrs.4444's for more Friday Fun!

My whole closet minus one suitcase fits into three black garbage bags. I was pretty impressed. I thought it would take a few more then that. Some of my clothes are from 12yrs ago. Surprisingly they still fit.
I won't miss the mosquitoes when I leave Terrace.
I am not looking forward to the road trip back to Abbotsford with My niece, B-i-L, Sister and my cat. I wish I fly or move at the speed of light. It will be memorable at least.
I've played way to much Farmville and Sorority life in the last two days.
I went shopping today at Ella (the only store I've found that carries undergarments that fit my rib cage, which apparently is itty bitty, unlike my breasts) I got two new bras, one is also a swim top! The second one will have invisible straps because they didn't have any strapless bras that fit comfortably.
Sorry nothing very exciting is rolling around in my brain right now.

22 hours later

2010-07-13T12:51:00.000-07:00

This is the face of a woman who is supposed to be packing all her belongings and doing the 18 hour drive back to Abby...

Summer fun

2010-07-10T13:23:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow is the wedding! Yesterday was the shower/stagette for Miz Rachel :) It was entertaining and she is getting some lovely cousins. We went to this adorable lingerie shop in Abby and then to Aradia Fitness to learn some dance moves. Let's just say it was enlightening and some of the girls had been there before and were really good. I think I'll stick to belly dancing, it's way more of a cardio work out for me. The weather has been scorching hot the last two days, thankfully today has been breezy with some cloud cover coming in. The temps have finally fallen to 75 inside. The grandparents have a pool so some days we can escape up there! Last week was freezing cold, and everybody wondered if we were ever going to get some more heat.

So some big announcements will be coming down the tube soon.... But first I just want to get everything finalized..
Sorry there hasn't been a fashion show post yet, I thought it would easy to grab images and link up to the clothing websites, but that failed. So I will have to take some photos of everything :)

Anyways I should stop hijacking Corb's computer and figure out what to get Rachel for a wedding gift.
Lastly some more photos..

Metro town --- Shopping!

Bubble tea shop, in Crystal Palace Shopping Centre

Monkey Puzzle Tree!

New style of roof covering!

Downtown Abbotsford

The Husband driving his parents 92 Vette. I french braided his hair (yes it's that long)

Remember this post? Well that's the scar I'm getting.

Hope you all are having a great summer.

Happy 26th!

2010-06-28T14:51:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was my sisters 26th birthday! She went fishing so I couldn't talk to her in person. But I thought about her during the day, we had a lot of good times. One of the most memorable is when we spent her 14th birthday walking through a grave yard someone around Cache Creek (at 6 am) so creepy. Then we went to "Hell's Gate", highly recommend pit stop on the way to Vancouver.

She is a great mother and an amazing example of a loving wife. We have been worst of enemies and now we are the best of friends :)

Later this week: My Sunday Experience and Fashion Show

Bit the dust

2010-06-25T14:18:00.000-07:00

Starting my second day on vacay in lovely New West Min, and my bro needed a piggy back to the car (stairs + wheelchair = disaster) so he is giving me hard time and swaying back and forth and I'm joking about throwing him in the hedges, so he stops, but I was counter balancing myself. So we fell. Hard, but seeing as I'm the nice big sister, he didn't get hurt and I ended up with a sore wrist and ripped capri and bloody knee. Gotta love brothers :P
In other exciting news, my poor cars' back tire is seized.. Thinking it's the park brake.. So not good. So I started banging on it and realized maybe I should do a little research first. Good thing because I was trying to take off something important of course.
So I've decided to go shopping at Body shop to cheer myself up. (if you live close to one check out the sale!)
Below are some pics from the trip down here.

Aaron lives in this cool castle like house and has a secret garden mess going on so I'm thinking I do some hedge trimming and get my hands dirty, should be fun. I'll take some before and after pics, he has tons of great flowers growing everywhere!

Road sign for Abbotsford at 5:30am

I took the leap

2010-06-22T10:22:00.000-07:00

Remember this post from 02/15/09 or this one from 01/30/2010, it's been on my mind for a while!

Last night a great friend and my sister sat me down and four hours later, my head looks like Medusa :)

If I would've used my sisters new shampoo and conditioner earlier, I may have put it off. Because my hair was amazingly flat and smooth after blow drying it. (the stuff is from Big Sexy Hair)

So I haven't gone down stairs and showed the rest of the family yet. (I actually kinda blocked them from getting a preview on fb, too. Because I want my in laws to be surprised!)

TGIF

2010-05-28T08:30:00.002-07:00

http://www.halfpastkissintime.com Head over to Mrs.4444's for more awesome posts!!

I love 4 day weeks!
I have slept maybe 10 hours in the past 72.I hate not sleeping. I swear naps are my new fave thing. I'm starting to take it where I can get it again.
I went for a bike ride yesterday, just intending to make it short, and it turned into a 10 km ride to the graveyard and back again. In a halter top. Which might have been a little bit of over exposure for my girls. If you know me irl, you will know that I rarely wear plunging halter tops for two reason. :D Anyways.. Mels had given me a hand made shirt and it was too awesome not to wear.
I'm trying to commit to doing something fun and get my blood pumping for at least 30 mins a day/5 times a week. Because I am tired of being 10/15 lbs over my ideal weight. I am not fat, but I feel wide and round, way too round.
I am road tripping to an old Summer Sisters wedding in July! Gonna make it a fun time with my bro and visit Miz Mouse, and then Corb on the island hopefully.
Debating what I want to do to earn money... I can sell candles, poke people and test blood.
I planted some tubers the other day, sure hoping they bloom, because they were bloody expensive.
My mom officially hates my cat.. I need to find him a new home asap, before she takes care of him for me.
I am so ready to get a tan and start camping.... I need camping buddies, Apply in Comments

Really old post...

2010-05-27T19:15:00.000-07:00

Parents deserted me today. But not before returning my long lost IPod, I paused for a moment of celebration before turning over and going back to sleep for an hour. Seriously this teachers aide thingy is wearing me out big time, to the point where I enjoy a two/three hour nap on week days.
I skipped going to my church and went to my parents because the camp directors(Sagitawa) are in town and they were having a luncheon afterwards. After finishing up there I rushed off to a friend's house for a get together. it was Birthday/Superbowl, which sadly I would've enjoyed more if the game wasn't on. I was so bored, because I just can't sit still long enough to follow what was happening on screen. Although the few commercials I seen amused me greatly.
The lady of the house gave us a tour of the reno's they plan on doing and they we chatted about knitting. She has a cute pattern for flower face cloths and Fingerless mitts. So after I finish this tormenting petal bib. I may start on some petal face clothes. I'm trying to make things that I can give to all my expectant best friends :) I finished the bib part so far but sadly it has some errors in it, and I really don't want to rip it out again, because it's too complicated to figure out how far back.
Ps this was written back in Feb.. :P
This evening I figured out a social schedule and a meal making schedule for the kids. It's been reported that Abe didn't shower for three weeks last time he was left under the supervision of siblings.. Although that isn't a problem for me. I just remind him of the time he went into a snow bank because he wouldn't get in the shower.. Or threaten to dump him in fully clothed.

Day 2/3 Yesterday was chaos on steroids for me. So much tension and interpersonal relationships gone wrong. Other then it was mildly cold and wet outside the day passed by quickly and I came home to prepare for the evening of busyness. Must make kidlets do HW. Also get them all dropped at the right places. I started attending a bible study with a girl from work. It's a Beth Moore Dvd study on Revelations. She is a very forceful and intense speaker. I sure wouldn't want to be her child and get caught doing something wrong. She was almost too intense for me. I don't think she had a natural smile once during the whole thing. But I really enjoyed the teachings. Plus I convinced a friend to join me :D They also give you rewards for doing our homework!
Tuesday: Barely could roll myself outta bed. Made a few minor wrinkles like not having time to sign planners or have breakfast (silly nutty bread) or find Beth's Math homework.

Not quite eighty-sixed

2010-05-25T03:35:00.002-07:00

Edit: I proofread after I hit publish, just to give you fair warnin.

So did ya think I'd stop writing for good?
I heard rumor my blog vanished from readers for a while.. Not sure if it was a glitch or me just not writing. Although I did have the LPM blog stop updating on me which was really annoying.

What's been up in my life? Not too much.. I spent this weekend reading, sleeping, digging in the dirt and watching an old family friend marry his sweetheart. Before that I've been doing a little work on the side, and reading a lot.

I sure did enjoy this break from school. Sometimes the stress of children just gets to me. I love my job, and I love the teacher I work with but I know why I don't have any kids of my own yet :P
Everyone keeps asking me I will be returning to MVCA in Sept, and that's really truly in the Lord's hands. ~~And the boards hands.~~

So what am I doing with myself this summer? Other then looking for a job, I have no idea. I managed to figure out that I want to see my Island friends and do a little vacationing and spend the summer in Terrace. I had my little heart set on camp this summer, but the paid positions are in the kitchen and for some reason it just didn't appeal to me. So I will probably go out and be helpful for a week or two at a time, depending on when my siblings are attending camp.

MRS.P had a garage sale and she managed to sell 1000.00 worth of stuff, sadly my new bar-b-q set was part of that. ~~My fault for not pack ratting it back from her.~~

The man situation.. Hmm.... He's in Victoria, and writing like a maniac, but it seems to be making him crazy happy and it makes me happy to see him chasing his dream.

I am debating making cupcakes tonight because it's a certain teacher's birthday tomorrow. But it's 3 am.. Don't know if the anyone would appreciate it at this time. So wishing I had a kitchenette.

This past week has been more social for me then the whole month so far, I went to the pool on Wed. with an old buddy who I hadn't connected with for a few years.
Thursday I was supposed to attend a Norwex Party or Gymnastics but I caught MiZ Carly's cold, and ended up napping all evening.
Friday night Bonzai hosted a lovely dinner for Tams and I. It was lovely to drink a little wine, laugh a lot and eat really good food!
Saturday afternoon brought a beautiful wedding, and I was able to see a few old friends, but didn't get to spend anytime with them because we weren't actually invited to the wedding so we figured crashing the reception would be pushing it. Although my little bro was sitting in the wedding party.

I am so friggin bored with my life right now. I have spent way to much time online playing RPGS. I have no motivation to lose the 10 lbs that are haunting me.. I need to make more money but don't want to get a part time job. I am so stuck in a rut it's not even funny. I feel like I've hunkered down at a cross roads and set up camp. At least I'm in a good safe place right now, unlike last summer or the one before it.

I am so excited to see MS Mouse's little sweetie pie in a month or so.. ~~Or whenever she actually flies up here.~~

Do you know anyone who needs work? My dad is looking for able bodied, hard working peoples. He would rather not have to hire me to go roofing :P

Does anyone out there read Nora Roberts books? Because I wouldn't mind trading or lending them out over the summer.

I think my side-tracked little brain is almost empty now and now a few photos.

Views around my neighborhood.

My road...

Cat sitting - one of the perks of my job

The night sky looking westward

Awesome moon

My little Birdy was running up and down this hill, very over tired little Chicky.

The coin drive about half way through. We raised over 400 for new baby monitoring equipment.

Cinco De Mayo

2010-05-04T23:07:00.000-07:00

At school tomorrow we are selling Churros.. Mm mm, I had them in Mexico once, and I loved so I am looking forward to 1:30 :) We are raising money for a orphanage in Peru.
In other school news on Monday I did a devotional.. I got great reviews on it, which was encouraging because I have no idea how much of it the kids will remember and if they would enjoy it. My sister B said that normally she starts to fall asleep in chapel, but I was engaging and entertaining enough that she didn't. I have some of it recorded.. So if anyone wants to see it, I might be willing to post it.. (I wore my wedding dress, and some amour) It was fun to do, and I loved hearing the kids responses to my questions.

There is only 1 month and 1 week left of school. Can you believe it?

Dirty Laundry

2010-04-30T06:35:00.001-07:00

Play along here with Mrs.444

I washed and my mother dried my $10 blue tooth headset, so it was collaborative effort and it has charged and connected to my phone. (I haven't actually needed to make any calls with it yet... hmm anyone up for a test call?)
We did a loose change drive at school and raised $409.60 for AstralMedia's National Caring for Kids day! Then we took it all down to the radio station and got to have a tour, If we end up on the news it will be playing tonight (April 30th) 7pm. After the hockey game as Steve said.
My laundry is washed and folded and put away, only three baskets full. I ruined to white tank tops (I had a foreboding about it.. Bad Darci) Stupid random red thing.
I finally got a hair cut. Now I am just adjusting to the fringe like bangs and wacky waves the layers threw my hair into.
Grr... Cat Fight outside... ~~I don't have a shot gun or slingshot handy.~~ I am ignoring them.
I am learning about managing Energy, and I need a power nap in the afternoons, expect that I have a hard time keeping it to 40 mins.
I am in the middle of a Partylite Book Show for Gwen and their adoption!!
We started a new bible study (just finished Beth Moore's Revelation) Called the Psalms of Ascent, I can't wait to see the cool things we learn and how deep we will go with God.
My computer has split personalities... and will be under going surgery soon. Pray for my stress levels.
Awesome photos of the volcano
Last count I had about 5/6 books on the go, 1 novel, 1 history, 1 misc, and the others educational. I found an awesome poem but now I can't figure out which book it was in.

About a year ago...

2010-04-17T23:17:00.000-07:00

Remember what I did last ST. Paddy's day?

Well I found a link where you can listen to the entire thing!!! @CBC RADIO

Reba McEntire - I Keep On Loving You

2010-04-17T11:51:00.002-07:00

So take that and think on it for a while.. Dedicated to ......

2010-04-14T22:38:00.002-07:00

see more Lolcats and funny pictures

All in a days work.

2010-04-12T04:55:00.000-07:00

Hellloooooooo, is anyone out there?

2010-03-18T18:43:00.000-07:00

I am back!!
Did you miss me?!

Today I went for a walk with one of our dogs to get the mail, there was only a Canadian Tire newspaper, but on the way home because I was wearing the mantle of adventure ~~My Frodo Cape~~ (see in photo above) I followed an old road, it was very overgrown and I found lots of moose droppings, eventually I had to cut back towards the main road because the trail dropped right off and started to look it was just a creek bed.
I seen pussy willows! Which means spring is truly on it's way.
There was barely any snow in the bushes, which is very odd for a few days before spring, we are used to having a few feet hiding amongst the trees.

The other day I was trying to do some laundry, and my mom asked if I wanted to take out some frustration on her closet. Because she is can't put anything more into the closet or take anything out, plus she said she doesn't really like most of it.
So we staged a mini what not wear, and then my dad walked in and asked if we were poking in his side. To which we responded NO, and his reply was well that would be a good thing to do :) So after pulling out at least 3/4ths of mom's stuff, I moved on to dad's side. Now they tons of room and only things my mom wants to wear and "won't make her look like the grandma she is"(my words)

So much has happened in the month and half, I didn't write. Part of me could care less about sharing with you, but the other part loves to record these things for my future benefit. So I'll try and hightlight the important things in future posts. Other things you will find out as time goes. Thanks for hanging in there with me.

We have puppies! They are about 2 weeks old and my mom is selling them for 650.00 each they are purebred black labs.

Puppies - Photo Credit - Mom's Facebook
Me-Photo Credit:Bonnie Ratchford

A long needed respite.

2010-01-31T14:04:00.000-08:00

Alright peoples.

The time has come.

I'm taking a break.

Right now it's planned for the month of Feb.

I may post Friday fragments(if anything exciting happens) but otherwise I am going to abandon the pressure to preform.

For some reason I really struggle with what to write.

So while I am on my Bloggy Vacation, I'll be contemplating life, and enjoying life, all the while planning on what I want to do in Sept/ the rest of my life.

Dread-full

2010-01-30T10:56:00.000-08:00

So I announced my desire to dread my head. It went over like a lead balloon. Go figure, I have old fashioned parents. I enjoy my hair for the most part.. I have wanted dreads for a long time now. Every time I bring it up someone has a good argument against them so I put it off. I really really want to do it. But I don't know who I can get to help me. I am thinking that I want to do dreaded braids, which are really tiny. Or maybe just really tiny dreads (the size of my pinky) Or maybe I should just chop it all off. Make everyone happy.

2010-01-19T07:56:00.003-08:00

Keep my newfie sister Madonna in your prayers. She went for surgery yesterday, and I am praying all went well.

Also I'm a working girl and so tired right now. My cat was determined to drive me crazy and I had the most restless night of sleep.

Friday Fragments-late edition

2010-01-15T10:46:00.002-08:00

While talking about Corb's maps for his world. The subject of terrorist and how to wipe out a lot people quickly came up without ruining the city. But I didn't realize that he was talking about it relating to his book. I commented the part that scares me is that he would spend time thinking the subject out. He laughed and said as a writer "I was thinking backwards about it and how it would leave a city a ghost town. Then he said "I am not rich enough to be a terrorist, you know they need lots of moolah" at which point I lost it, and couldn't stop laughing at him. Turns out the idea we had been discussing wasn't his originally. Yes, we talk about strange things, but that's why I enjoy him :)
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I was making cookies with Birdy and Penny (well Penny did all the work and I was stealing batter) I wanted to grab one last scoop before going to get the adult ingredients for these (CMB)
I looked at Birdy and whispered "Close your eyes"(b/c Penny had just scolded her for eating cookie batter)
Birdy turns her face towards me with a look of WTF? and whispers right back to me "NO"
I was laughed and went to put my shoes on. I got p-owned by a two year old.

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you know your tired when... you get your bra done up and realize it's inside out. and you managed to do the hooks up like it was nothing and it takes more time for you get to them undone.
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I have great friends when they can convince me to drag my sorry butt outta bed after 5 hours of sleep. and I throw on my grubbies and rush out on ice slicked roads for some conversation and knitting. Expect I worried them and went to work out first :)
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this week has been very harsh for me. I haven't sleep more then 4 hours in a single night(expect wed, and that was about 6) So my mental state is crumbling quickly. So going to buy some sleep aids. Melatonin is not cutting it for me. I ever always thought my world always looks okay if I am well rested and eating balanced meals. If not, the ADD child in me comes out and wreaks havoc on everyone around. It's not pretty.
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Like my new header? I am slowly painfully learning html. I tried to load my own blog and it took so long, I was appalled. How does everyone find the loading time?
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Does anyone else miss Mrs.Wilson? (it's been since Nov) I didn't realize how long until this morning, since I normally cheat and read my blogs in Google Reader.
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I wish some people like Miss M and Eternity could blog...... I set up email updated for Ms.Eternity so she should be able to email post to her blog. (in China blogger and FB are blocked. Damn Government Censoring)
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I hate our internet. it's Xplornet. I feel I have full rights to complain about this, after helping ~~whiny~~ ~~bitchy ungrateful~~ Ccast customers. They can get 50 MB speeds for 149.00 a FLIPPING MONTH. Do you know how much I would have to pay to get anything about 1 mb?!! 140.00. SO NOT FAIR. I am ranting because my other choice is dial up or Telus ~~(bend over and take it)~~ Wifi which is worse speed wise as Xplornet. (we had it when my daddy took me to Ottawa. ANYWAYS. Just a little bit of sore subject right now.

I wasted 75 mins of my life. But I talked with a very nice man, who has been using computers since 1970. He educated me on netstat -a and -b which i I would recommend running on your cmd prompt screen and finding out what open ports are running. He recommended it be less then 15. Our vista compys had 30, and mine had 20(xp) The cause: ITUNES. (I'm becoming a mac hater, another story, another time.) BTW there is only 4 computers in the house :p.... 2 of which are running a lot. But remember there is at least 12 ppl in this house and most times if not more.
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I had the worst boob shopping experience recently. The only thing that rectified the situation was when the sales woman asked me "Do they need under-wires?" She was very apologetic and slightly mortified. But hey when you are a huge as me, They are the Girls. I can't change it with out surgery, or a heck of a lot of weight loss.
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Which brings me to Curves. Not really a fan, but my sister gave me a 30 day free work out. So not going to turn down free gym time :) so my butt and back thigh muscles (whats the name of them again?) are sore. Only took me of working out everyday. I like to hurt the next day and sweat during a work out. So I find I have to push myself really hard. But that's difficult when walking up the stairs leaves you breathless from lack of sleep and protein.
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I was looking forward to a free snowboarding day. They closed the hill.
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I've decided the only way I can afford to help in Haiti right now is to pray and visit Ree's site!
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Did I post about American Eagle pants? Anyways I measured my waist.. Which seems to have grown (but not enough) I sized myself to 12. Which arrived on Christmas eve. They are at least 2 inches too big. But the good news the sales are getting better on the sight. Plus 5 mins after listing the pants on a local FB group a girl wanted them and they fit her!!
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I made two pairs of slippers and am working on a third pair which started out for Levi and now are for Amariah. (my gauge is way too small for the third pair)

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Trim... I'm way more photogenic with my eyes closed.

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I'm finally running out of random things. I know there was lots of funny things that happened but I didn't write them down. ~~Bad Journalist.~~

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~~I've left FB. I am so frustrated with it.~~ Edit: for a whole 6 hours and then forgot that about it and logged back in.

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I am listening to CBC podcasts a lot lately and Focus on the family, some of them just break my heart.

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TTFN -- Tigger

Broken Hearted

2010-01-14T12:41:00.000-08:00

Only the other night I prayed, Father break my heart with the things that break your heart.

I opened this link Photos of Haiti *past 48 hours* and the tears just streamed down my face, my heart feeling like I was being delivered news of my own families deaths. The only way I can explain the grief is that my prayer was answered.

I want to send help. I'm thinking of possibly raising money for World Vision or another organization, I found this link on CNN What you can do.

I am going to read through this later and post more about what I choose.

2010-01-13T01:44:00.000-08:00

What should I be in when I grow up?!
This question is haunting me.
There are so many fields of study that interest me.

I have training in comparative live blood, and I am certified.
I've done three online courses through the www.aliveacademy.com, (Natural health, Anatomy, Herbs for healing) I've interested in helping people but I want a balanced approach. I want to do something that I can take world wide. So I won't be tied down to one city/state/nation. I want to be somebody and do something with my life.

The new year always brings out the list maker in me.

What do I want to do this year, where do I want to be, how can I get there? All of this plus the new developments in my love life (not positive ones) make me reevaluate what the heck I am doing with my life. I'm 27 years old. I have no career, no family (*of my own) and more debt then I am willing to admit to openly.

I am a need to stay busy person.
This drives me to read, and to be crafty. It's probably the driving force behind me wanting to go back to school soon.
I have this time line growing in my mind, and it includes getting a job soon (temp one) going to Camp Sagitwata for the summer, and doing some online courses in September and working part time (Partylite or testing blood maybe)
Paying off my debt and losing 20 lbs in the process.
BUT HOW DO I MAKE THIS HAPPEN?!
The first thing that I found was a pdf for goals, and the second was a budget sheet. Now if I could just find some motivation, money and will power :)
Some days I wish we could be like the movie characters that just plug into their chairs and get data and lessons uploaded directly to their brains. I could be a marital artist and a English major and be some sort of Doctor already.

stories

2010-01-11T07:31:00.002-08:00

I've tales to tell, and photos/videos to show. Some day I may even get around to sharing them with you. My hearts just not in it today.

Christmas Day Cookies

2009-12-30T09:06:00.002-08:00

Jesus is the reason for the season

2009-12-29T15:05:00.000-08:00

It's been a green Christmas for me. Which fits just fine, seeing as so far I've managed to control myself and not say BAH HUMBUG.
This merry season has really come up quickly for me. Something to do with life turning it self up upside down a few times.
We had a lovely breakfast that I slept through, and then a yummy lunch and dinner happened on Boxing Day. We had a neighbor family over and Mel's twin friends arrived from Progress. It was a loud and rowdy night filled with good food, friends and lots of laughs.
Below are photos of the feasting, and game playing, the entertainment (Birdy spinning), The Nativity Cake,

Birdy opening a gift from friends, and a table full of cookies and chocolates from grandma!

point taken.

2009-12-22T15:51:00.000-08:00

I won the battle of clean clothes vs my bed, and now they are all put away until I do laundry again.
My bed is stripped and waiting for me to my iron. I am going to attempt to block a scarf. I am afraid.
I missed the chance to vote on the last 4 ep of Survivor for our fantasy game, and I'm not gonna like I am very upset. I had no idea the voting would close Sunday evening.. Stupid No Cable..
This flu is making crotch-y and old feeling.. Like I'm an old soul aching in the this young body, I just want to be better now. Thank you Very Much
I have no Christmas Spirit, and the worst part is I can't even drink Eggnog or make cookies right now, because I don't want to give this lovely flu to anyone else.
My External HD is alive again, I think that my day, cause then I can keep obsessively watching Lie to me/Bones/Criminal Minds.
I stole my mattress back, and I might get a decent night's sleep, Finally!
Have you ever looked deep inside yourself and found too much repressed anger... I did... Mine is starting to hit the boiling point. But I think that's another topic for another blog.
I think that enough random ness for one day.

back from deaths door

2009-12-20T17:31:00.001-08:00

Okay so I'm being melodramatic but I was so freaking sick with this awful chest/head cold for the past two days I've done nothing but sleep and read and watch movies. Every joint was aching, I had a fever, I just want to sleep, but then I wasn't tired. So now I'm left with the I'm hacking up an internal organ cough, and I'm done with being sick 'tude. Maybe now my rooms will get clean. (that was my plan for this weekend before I got hijacked)

I've been in the worst of moods, so I didn't feel like blogging because everything I could think of was a complaint.
So I am going to do mini book reviews.
Vanishing Acts--- Very well written, slightly disturbing content, not for children. About a child who finds out she was kidnapped by her father.
When the Crickets cry --- Unique writing style that leaves lots to the imagination in a good way, about a little girl who needs a heart transplant and the community who loves her dearly.
Angels in Pink --- Classic make me cry story, about teenagers who help at a hospital.
The wal-mart effect - Very good look at the cost of walmart, the good and the bad. Easy and enjoyable to read.

On my to read list
Take One -Karen Kingsbury
Why Mexican's don't drink Molson
The Myth of Ability
The Lovers Knot
Perelandra - C.S.Lewis
Smart Cookie making more dough.

Edit: My brother is laughing at me for being such a nerd and reading so much.

good and bads

2009-12-17T21:34:00.001-08:00

Bad

Good

The keeper of my heart

2009-12-14T05:43:00.000-08:00

Just got older!

Happy Birthday Dad

-16

2009-12-14T01:09:00.000-08:00

I am struggling to get my outside door open, it's midnight. The stairs to my room are against my parents bedroom wall. I am carrying to packages and a limp plate of dessert. The heavier burden slips out of my fingers, and out tumbles two books, my knitting and my 1 terabyte external HD Aka Externalness. It all makes a larger clattering noise and I add Oh Sh*t to the clamor. Only two thoughts go through my head, "So sorry mom and dad, and NO my last HD died rolling around the backseat of my car with the printer, not this one too."
After picking collecting the contents of my bag, I realize the stand for the HD is missing. Then I walk into find all the chicken I fed the cat last night didn't sit well with him.
I attempt to turn on my computer just to have it shut off twice after about 2 seconds. I manage to un-stick the button, and test out my hard drive. Which works!!
I went to take my dessert to the fridge then I walked into the attic ladder which never got put back after they extracted the decorations.

It was a long 10 minutes. Which thankfully is all over!

2009-11-30T15:45:00.001-08:00

60 days ago I kissed my husband good bye and he departed from my life. This was a mutual choice. I then proceed to pack up everything I had in St. John's and mail it back home (BC), after 30 days I packed up my cat and myself and we hopped on a plane.
12 hours and 3 transfers later we landed in P.G. both alive and intact. I then drove 8 hours and arrived home on Halloween. Sadly I was too tired to go out and enjoy the car rally or tricker treating. Since then I've been babysitting Birdy and knitting up a storm, hanging with my posse, sleeping, and generally wreaking havoc on my room and the laundry room.
It hasn't all been easy or fun. Some days I wish I would've stayed in NF. Other days I really don't care about anything. The latter is the most recent feelings.

The comments are closed because this isn't a pity post, more of a "Y'all my friends (support group) I want you to know what's happening" post. Plus I really don't like discussing the details constantly and I'm afraid it makes me morose the more I think about it.
To answer one final question we aren't divorced, just separated and focusing on ourselves right now. It's the best choice for all concerned.

Thank you guys for sticking with me here in this literary window into my personal soap opera.

Knitting related

2009-11-25T18:15:00.000-08:00

Smellyann received my first ever ~~awkward~~ blanket and she posted a photo

Last night I went to the Wild N Wooly's meeting.. A bunch of ladies knitting at Cafenara and I came home smelling like a burnt coffee bean. It was nice to meet over ladies, we laughed a lot and I finished my second slipper which sadly looks scary compared to the first. Lots of little mistakes. Plus it's one size smaller. I am a smrt. I might start on some piggy slippers for Birdy or one the multiple babies coming. But I hate the pattern because it's very poorly written.
I just need to wash and block my baby hood and then sew it together. I'm thinking I should get a few projects knitted up and then sew them all together on one night.

I learned how to make a granny square! Bonnie taught me on Sunday while watching One Tree Hill with Tams. We have Saturday night planned for knitting (Sunday was Crocheting) and another marathon on 1TH.

The last few Saturdays have been pretty busy so the kids haven't had many more lessons yet, but Levi is progressing nicely on a orange and gray checkerboard scarf. Trish was making a washcloth and she had gotten quite a bit done. So hopefully we will be able to sit down this weekend.

Also the lovely Rudee from A Knitting Nurse is going through her stash and mailing us some needles and yarn so the kids can have their own needles. We are all very excited about this, plus it seems to inspiring her pull out all her unfinished projects :D

I made a list of things to do today, and so far Blog is the only that I've done. But then again I've only been mobile for five hours.

Grill Girl

2009-11-11T22:50:00.000-08:00

Working in reverse my day:

Dumping water on the flint that Alicia dropped while trying to get it outside, did I mention that it was red hot and now there are black marks on the hard wood flooring?
My parents have this lovely, shiny new bar-b-q, and it took a good hour to cook burgers on, I got frustrated and threw them all in a frying pan. But first I had to get all geared up cook on the front porch, that included a toque, hoodie, over coat (belonging to someone else) winter boots and finger mittens.
I opened up my loom, (that I purchased at a local auction for $30) and after some research found out that they are worth approx. $800 dollars brand new. Also it's missing the front set of heddles, so I won't be weaving anything up in the near future.
I fixed Def Jam Vendetta and played a little bit on the PS2, and then helped the kids get to the bottom of why the dance pad wasn't working anymore. Sadly to find out there isn't any actual Dance Dance Revolution games on it.
The night before (until midnight) we had a knitting class on my bed. Which consisted of 5 siblings and 1 neighbor girl. I told them not to come in before 10 this morning, Who was I kidding, should've been 11. They learned how to knit, after polishing off some casting on techniques. They proceed to pester for the 2 sets of needles I had later that day. I knew I had more but they where hidden in the middle of a bed frame. Tonight Levi dug them out, so they will be happy to see them in the morning. After taking stock we have a shelf and a box full of yarn, and possibly more coming in the last half of my belongings.
We've been playing Balderdash in the evenings (after finding a jr & sr editions in Prince Rupert last Thursday) The first time I played, someone either picked my word or I got points. It was awesome, second time after a little FB bragging, I didn't do so hot.
Today I learned my Uncle served in the Navy, so today I am remembering him, and another uncle and a grandfather who fought for our freedom.
I am on super slow internet, so uploading photos and browsing is very tedious. So to say the least I've been reading everything in Google reader.
This post is officially over because Daxter used his kitty liter (which is in the small half finished bathroom) and I am dying.

Friday Fragments

2009-11-06T11:55:00.000-08:00

Mrs.4444
Hosts this lovely day, where you can put all your random things into a post!
Happy Birthday to my little Birdy! She turned 2 yesterday, and we had a doggy theme party on Wednesday, I am still waiting on photos. I will post them later.
I have worked out twice and hoping to make it a third time
A mechanic was removing a cylinder-head from the motor of a Harley motorcycle when he spotted a well-known cardiologist in his shop. The cardiologist was there waiting for the service manager to come and take a look at his bike when the mechanic shouted across the Garage, 'Hey Doc, want to take a look at this?' The cardiologist, a bit surprised,

walked over to where the mechanic was working on the motorcycle. The mechanic straightened up, wiped his hands on a rag and asked, 'So Doc , look at this engine. I open its heart, take the valves out, repair any damage, and then put them back in, and when I finish, it works just like new.

So how come I make $39,675 a year and you get the really big bucks ($1,695,759) when you and I are doing basically the same work?' The cardiologist paused, smiled and leaned

over, then whispered to the mechanic...
"Try doing it with the engine running"
- It's rained cats and dogs since I've arrived home, I do miss that about St.John's, we rarely ever had rain. It would mist once in a while.

Home!

2009-11-02T13:54:00.004-08:00

I awoke to the sound of a chain saw. Only in the boonies!
I skipped out on church and slept in, it was quite lovely after my long day. Woke up at 10:30am (Friday) Helped move Ms.M to her Mom's and they dropped me off at the airport at 2:30 am, and then I got checked in around 3:30 and boarded the plane at 5am. I slept for about two hours, and hour on each flight. I Arrived in P.G. at noon, (which was 4:30pm according to my body clock) We went for lunch and came back out and the cat wasn't in his harness. I have no idea how he got out of it, but I was starting to panick and there he was inside of my suitcase!
I let him ride in the vehicle for the last two hours and he wanted to sit on the dash, and it was quite funny.
We pulled in around 9pm and I was so tired. The kids finally got home after 10 pm, and my body was like hello!! it's 2:30am, go to bed.
I visited with two different friends from my old work, and the popped into see my little birdy.
I can't wait to go visit the new natural good store in town.

Moving

2009-10-26T19:16:00.000-07:00

Back to one the greatest places on earth Terrace

Details to follow..

Tomorrow I have a dentist appt, then a eye appt, then to the doctors to get some paperwork filled out. HOPEFULLY

Boiling..

2009-10-19T23:12:00.000-07:00

The thoughts and words are boiling over in my head, and the heat of the stove is making my skin too warm, or perhaps it's this ugly black fleece robe. One to which I've attached my hatred.
But for now I shall pen a few thoughts, so my mind is clear and I can continue to stash stuff in boxes with no rhyme nor reason. I hate moving, I hate starting over. I hate change unless it's well thought out. How can one pack properly? Part of me says well you should drag everything out of every corner, and do not mix bedroom things with kitchen things, and my good sense kicks in and says, you aren't rich and don't want all your earthly possessions destroyed by the evil Canada Post workers who hate their jobs.

I had one of those days at work where you think, I don't know why I hate my job so much.. I was surprised when 6:30 rolled around.
I found out today that I have approximately 7 weeks left of illness claim and I can open a new claim after I hit BC until I find a new job.
Oh Jobs.. I don't even want to think about that. I want to study and work and be everything to everybody.

Am I meandering yet? Think of this as a Friday Fragment or something like that :)

On the knitting front, I have started a baby's bonnet from the 1844's. It may turn into a gift for my bestie's little girl who is a month away, or my little birdy's doll. The sad news is I had to rip out the first 6 rows and start over again.
Ohhh I hate failure. I finished my care package blanket. but there is a dropped stitched. Oh, that gives me an idea? Mel, can I send it to you unfinished? I promise to be sending you your long overdue candles with it.

I could kick myself for having so much yarn to pack up and ship, because of all the weeks I had off, I could've whipped it into something productive at least.

The weather here has been East Coastish.. Mean and Stormy, days that make so happy for Terrace/West coast weather. People who complain about the weather in Terrace ain't seen nothing. They need to spend a full year out here, and from what I've heard this year is going to be a killer one for snow and I am slightly sad to miss that.

But there is not a snowball's chance in hell that I am going to miss the freezing temperatures.

I have been compiling a list of my favorite newfie sayings, because as soon as I get home I will forget'em all. Like I tinks so, and best kind b'y.

No proofreading done.

2009-10-17T16:22:00.000-07:00

What a change in weather overnight. Last night we had winds up to 96km, blowing rain/wet snow around. It was actually scary to walk home from work last night because of the wind blowing the trees around. I was having a hard time walking in a straight line, and was being blown backwards, and it was very difficult to walk. It sounded like airplanes taking off all through the night, but it was just the wind.

This morning dawn clear & sunny with some very cold wind. But not nearly as strong. I sure hope it's like this tomorrow morning when I have to catch a bus to the dentist in the morning.

I am so tired of working 5 days in a row, this job is so mentally exhausting.

Wordless Wednesday

2009-10-07T15:49:00.000-07:00

The Promise Land

Photo by Chris Chicoine

(Stolen shamelessly from FB)

Link up here

Jewels of Music

2009-10-06T20:59:00.000-07:00

This is a song that I listened to while meandering home, and it sums up my feelings right now

I shiver, shut the door
Can't think standing here no more
I'm alone, my mine's racing, heart breaking
Can you be everything I need you to be?
Can you protect me like a daughter?
Can you love me like a father?
Can you drink me like water?
Say I'm like the desert, just hotter.

The point of it all
Is that if I should fall
Still you're name I'll call

It's gonna be all right, no matter what they say
It's gonna be a good day, just wait and see
It's gonna be okay, cause I'm okay with me

As long as we laugh out loud
Laugh like we're mad
Cause this crazy, mixed up beauty is all that we have
Because what's love but an itch we can't scratch, a joke we can't catch
But still we laugh

This is a new song, which is speaks of the hope I had 2.5 years ago:

Honestly there is a story under it all. But where do I start?
I've always had a passion for acoustic girl music, and Jewel is my favorite. Miss Mouse introduced me to her, and I think I feel in love with the song I'm Sensitive, and the love affair has just grown from there. I have said that some of her first songs would make better poetry.

A lyric that grabbed my attention was from Kiss the flame, I loved this line

But wherefore art thou Romeo
where have all the brave men gone
Show me one man who know his own heart
To him I shall belong

It really summed up what I was looking for in a man, and honestly it was really hard to find a guy who knows what he wants.

I had met this man and then he had fled from my life, then one day while at work, said man opened up a convo on msn with something about my msn status which was "Show me one man who know his own heart, To him I shall belong" and how he knew what he wanted. I was already hook line and sinker but that sealed the deal. I think we started dating a short time after that.

Later he drove my car 16 hours so that when I flew in from Mexico, I could have options (go home, stay with him) He admitted to listening to the music stored in my deck and enjoying it, and wondering if they were secret messages for him.Wondering if I loved him (no word of a lie, although he may deny it now)
He is the romantic one.

I think I could write a timeline of our relationship in Jewel songs, but I won't bore you.

So this brings me full circle back to the song at the top. I am going to be okay, I love him, and life just keep happening around me and I would rather get to my destination then be caught in a riptide.

That Man? Is my Mr.Darcy

Major Crossroads

2009-10-05T08:30:00.004-07:00

The song really describes my life right now. I've made my decision, and I now have peace about it. I know this is very elusive, but I am struggling with transparency and how much to share, to choose my words wisely to guard certain people. To make the wisest choice, to not air my dirty laundry as some would say.
How much detail is necessary for the world to know? Only what will help them. What in my situation will help you? The play by play or the his-story of it and glory of my Comforter in walking me through my valleys filled with shadows.

I've realized I am like a child who has too many new toys. I become quickly overwhelmed with my "dreams" list, "to-do" lists, and "every day" lists. So I don't do anything. Mr. Darcy made a very wise and valid point for me last night. I was worrying about where I should be serving, and what if I am in the wrong place, and I was getting all caught up in the rabbit trails of my worry. This is what always makes me distracted to the point where I end up doing nothing normally.

His perspective was "Which situation or where would you be more empowered to be a better person? Where you can become more or better, is where God can and will use you more, so focus on who you are or are becoming rather than WHERE you are."

I am so thankful for him.
Edit: thanks for the heads up Rudee (hopefully the video will work now)

2009-10-04T09:35:00.000-07:00

www.postsecret.blogspot.com

Tomato on toothpicks

2009-10-03T14:06:00.005-07:00

Mr. J, Ms. M & I are in a competition to see who can lose the most weight in 30 days. So far I have gained 4 lbs. It's depressing. At this point I'm ready to weigh in only once a week. J & I went for a walk on Friday and decided to put a little wager on it, and on Monday M decided to join in, so we restarted as of the 14th of Sept.
It's great because it's making me want to work out, I've been running and doing yoga on the wii, and feeling thinner.

In other news Value Village had a 50% off sale, and I found two pairs a jeans and a cape. The first pair are high waist-ed and fit me like a charm, the second pair are skinny jeans, and would fit better if I lost ~~4 inches~~ an inch or two.

I am thinking Little Miss Orange Riding hood for Halloween.
What do you think?

PS: Mr. Darcy & I are wearing the same pant's if that wasn't obvious already to you smart people!

Swinging in the park

2009-09-24T11:56:00.000-07:00

Yesterday while trying to do a 2 person run on the Wii with Ms. M, Bad boots announced he wanted to go to the PARK. We went two nights ago and had a blast until older kids came along and took over the equipment.
So after completing my ten mins on Super Hula hoop, We gathered the necessity's and started walking, it was +20 out, but extremely windy.
As I pushed the stroller up the hills, my calves started to complain, and I veto the idea of going further up the hill to find the other park.
We had the entire playground to ourselves for a good 30 mins, and then an adorable little girl with her grandparents came to swing with us. After they left at least 6 kids showed up, and poor little Bad boots was feeling pretty shy, so we went for a walk around the field. Finally after wearing himself out and a little bribing we walked to the library, where he fell asleep as I was browsing for books.
I was sad not to be able to find The last song by Nicholas Sparks, so I am going to have to request it online.

I am waiting for a phone call right now, to confirm that I am going back to work on Saturday, Finally!

Fantasy Survivor

2009-09-17T16:58:00.002-07:00

http://heymrswilson.net/fantasy-survivor-pool/
Go check it out!

Sad faces

2009-09-17T11:22:00.000-07:00

I walked to the post office today hoping to pick up my swap pack from CMHS, but it was my package being returned to me because it was unclaimed :(
The post office worker thought I was a little dense and felt the need to explain since my address was in the upper left hand corner it's the return address. I was standing there thinking. ~~WELL DUH.~~ I put it there just in case this happened.

In other frustrating news, I may not be returning to work for another two weeks. I think I may just go stir crazy. I have very mixed emotions about going back to work.

The only upside is that's sunny out and Survivor starts tonight!

Photo: Sad Little Birdy -My Niece about 10 months old I think

2009-09-14T12:45:00.002-07:00

Canucks in Terrace!

I am not much a fan but this is awesome for my home town!

Boredom will kill me.

2009-09-13T17:00:00.001-07:00

I had a 5 hour nap and now I am ready to do something. ~~ANYTHING~~. But everyone else is watching movies or playing world of warcraft. Right now I wish I could travel by speed of light, and drop in at Eric's house and play star craft for hours with Adam & Ben and him. Just like we used. I miss those guys so much.

Photos from 04-05

Chase, Adam, Me
Adam, Me, Shelly,
Ben
Tim
Eric
Ben at Mr.Mikes
Me & Jewel (my baby sister, who I miss too)

24 hours

2009-09-10T02:15:00.000-07:00

Woke up at 10 am
Showered
Ate breakfast
Went grocery shopping (and Christmas planning shopping)
Came home, felt whiny and tired *from past all nighter
Put grocerices away
Thought about making cream puffs
Watched TV for 20 mins
Decided to nap, because you burn more calories sleeping then watching t.v.
"napped" for at least 3 hours
Realized I didn't have time to make cream puffs for home group
Talked to MIL
Packed sponge cakes, cream, frozen berries
toddled down to work, picked up Mr.Darcy
Went to the first small group of the season
Was told my impromptu dessert was yummy!
Deposited cheque and meandered home.
Called my sis
Got angry at myself/computer/walmart's photo website
Realized they are running off of PST not Newfie time
Played Uno
Uploaded 200 photos to print
Edited/cropped down to 105 photos
Submitted my order at 4:25am (got it for 10 dollars rather then 20)
Ordered some $9 tshirts from www.threadless.com
Realized it's 5 am might as well stay up now.
Uploaded random videos and photos to facebook
Downloaded a new audio book : Inside the Kingdom :My Life in Saudi Arabia BY Carmen Bin Laden

Now I am going to, get more water, take a shower, talk to Ms.M about her birthday cake for today, figure out a birthday gift that costs me no cash, and have a long nap... and hopefully not stay up over night again.

Photos:
1.the day I left for a trip that would change my life
2. on my honeymoon
3. The lovely castle that is the office in XMen...

Sending out some linky love

2009-09-08T16:58:00.000-07:00

I am dead beat tired, listening to some Friends in low places by Garth Brooks, flying down the interweb, running into cool offers and such, so I am going to share them with you!

A funny one for Cat lovers TP+Cat= UHOH
Awesome Debt fighting site My new fave woman on TV
Pads coupon and great deal
For the Tim Horton's Lover in your life!

Back to labouring

2009-09-08T01:22:00.003-07:00

Happy Holidays, I hope you all enjoyed your long weekend.

Sadly I didn't fully appreciate it and may have been a little bitter about this holiday for reasons best left unspoken about while the issues are being resolved.

Because real life is too boring to write about at the moment I shall leave you with these snapshots of my adorable little Birdy.

*1- Posing before having her tooth removed the next day.
*2 - Look Mommy there is so many rocks to toss in the river.
*3- Walking Tux, her favorite puppy.
*4-Happy little family - My sister and her adorable family.
*5-Overlooking the Skeena River and the longest one way bridge in (Canada) I think.

Un-Surprise Birthday

2009-08-31T02:08:00.000-07:00

Since my lovely sister was sick, she updated her face book photos of my little Birdy. But I realized maybe I should ask her permission before spamming Birdies photo all over the intranet. So until then I shall tide you over with a short story.

One night Mr. Darcy and I are walking home from work (that strange place I haven't had to see for 3 weeks) and I asked him to plan a party for me, because birthdays are a really big deal to me. He agrees; and I go on to say how I would love to have a surprise party, but since I already asked him to plan something it can't be a surprise anymore. But I forgot one key factor here. This is THE Mr. Darcy we are talking about here. Probably the only person who can actually pull the wool over my eyes.

Well that is when he is working with my family or alone. Apparently when announcing the plans for my "Surprise" Party he forgot to make the surprise party part clear to everyone. So needless to say, I was tormenting someone at work about missing my birthday, even though it landed on a Sunday and I didn't plan on or was scheduled to be a work. He did the wink wink nudge nudge thing, and I was totally lost. But then it hits me. I bet we are going bowling for my birthday. So that night while I'm trying to drift off one of the things that pops into my head and whips out of my mouth before I can stop it is "Hunny, are you taking my bowling for my birthday?" I get the response "Roll over and shaddup if you want cuddles" BINGO... I figured it out. The next day a roommate asks me the a question about bowling and finds out that it's supposed to be a surprise. Clue 3: on Sunday one of the ladies asks me about bowling and gives me her idea of which night would be best, and I'm shocked and surprised, and mildly irritated at this point, so I replied "Talk to Mr. Darcy" Not realizing everyone was clueless about the surprise. Clue 4: I get text messages about my party, to which I only responded partially because I wasn't sure if I had text messaging on my phone, and by this point I don't want to hear another freaking thing about my birthday party. (Side note: during this whole time, I'm sick and grumpy)

Poor Mr.Darcy feels terrible that people didn't listen to him, and finally says well when you are feeling well enough we will do something. So I picked my actual birthday to be better on and we planned to go for lunch, and then mini golfing in the mall with black lights, and then wander the market that opens every Sunday evening after the mall closes.

Well we did the dinner on Saturday night, and I couldn't eat anything either day, the mini golfing was really difficult and I was just happy to not lose the small amount of food I ate. But the company was great, and then they all sang happy birthday in the movie consession area.

I went home and enjoyed a 4 hour nap, and made everyone wait till Tuesday to sing happy birthday at home and eat lemon meringue pie, and even then I don't think I ate my piece until Thursday.

The only thing missing was the birthday candles... oh and the fact my whole family and best friends didn't call until a day late at least. Thank goodness for Face book wall :)

Ps No editing has been done to the grammar or sentence structure, and I should be sleeping right now. Instead I go to raid the kitchen.

Getting older

2009-08-23T11:23:00.000-07:00

I might have had a birthday a week ago, but I've decided that I'm 25 this year.
The bad news is that I've been sick for three weeks, and I've finally started to feel better over the weekend. I've been off for two weeks, and I managed to burn my arm in the shape of number 10. I was mowing the front lawn and for some reason through my clouded judgement, I thought I could lift the lawnmower over a board. I heard my skin sizzle, and I put the lawn mower down really fast and went running into the house to find some ice.

The medical system here is failing horribly. That is all I'm going to say for now.

My new roommate Ms. M.(the only other female in the house) and I have been really busy. We've painted, shopped for new curtains, and art. The landlord removed some items left behind last week, and also took the washer and dryer, sadly replacing them with a leaking set. Which meant we had to rip everything out of the laundry room. We then moved on to organizing everything in it, and in the computer lab. We then moved on to the disaster area we now call the Rec room. Where my computer is finally set up on a lovely little desk. Maybe tonight I will snap some photos.
The men were amazed at how nice everything looks. Yes we are amazing. :)

This weekend we are getting blown around by Hurricane Bill and all his bluster, the eye of the storm is supposed to be passing over us today.

Next time I shall tell you the tale of a failed surprise party which Mr.Darcy tried to plan for me.