Friday, September 29, 2006
Fall
The one (and perhaps only) thing I will miss about our current house are the beautiful trees in the yard...
Thursday, September 28, 2006
Tuesday, September 26, 2006
Shiny
We were visiting our neighbours backyard yesterday, and they had an old picnic table full of these glass...thingies.
The Bug loved them. He spent half an hour just picking them up and arranging them. When it was time to go I had to pry him away from the table.
The Bee liked them ok, but mostly tried to eat them...mmmmm.
The Bug loved them. He spent half an hour just picking them up and arranging them. When it was time to go I had to pry him away from the table.
The Bee liked them ok, but mostly tried to eat them...mmmmm.
Sunday, September 24, 2006
SoulGarden
It pains me that I am not more eloquent. It pains me even further that the things closest to my heart are the things I have the most difficulty talking about.
A few weeks back I was having a conversation with a good friend of mine and she asked me why I go to church. It caught me off guard a bit, as we don't spend a lot of time talking about religion, and I stumbled around with my words saying something about being happier when I go than when I don't. Which is true. But hardly an insightful answer. It got me thinking.
I grew up going to church but it is not merely a habit. I have friends and aquaintences there, but that is not why I go. A sense of community is important, but not why I go. I figure it goes something like this.
Everyone has a soul garden. We all choose to awknowedge or tend to it in a way we feel fit. I recognise that spirituality and religion aren't always the same thing. You can be a wonderfully spiritual and moral person without ever going to church. Or you can be judgemental and unloving while attending services every week.
For me it's about tending to my soul garden. Ideally you have the opportunity throughout the week for spiritual insight and growth, but I like knowing that I can go somewhere to focus on that.
I took a 'break' for several years in my 20's trying to figure out what, if anything, going to church meant to me. When I finally stepped foot inside a church again, I felt the most overwhelming feeling of love and connection, without knowing a person there. It makes sense to me. It reaches my core.
I love the feeling of going to church and renewing my perspective. If I'm not having a good week I get to start over with a fresh outlook. I get to feel love for and fully appreciate my family, whether they are with me or not. I get the chance to be a better me, over and over again.
I also embrace one day a week when I don't concern myself with shopping malls, or running errands, or paying bills. A day of rest. Or at least a couple of hours. A welcome reprieve. Taking a spiritual breath.
I hope I am a better person for it. I believe that I am.
That is why I go to church.
A few weeks back I was having a conversation with a good friend of mine and she asked me why I go to church. It caught me off guard a bit, as we don't spend a lot of time talking about religion, and I stumbled around with my words saying something about being happier when I go than when I don't. Which is true. But hardly an insightful answer. It got me thinking.
I grew up going to church but it is not merely a habit. I have friends and aquaintences there, but that is not why I go. A sense of community is important, but not why I go. I figure it goes something like this.
Everyone has a soul garden. We all choose to awknowedge or tend to it in a way we feel fit. I recognise that spirituality and religion aren't always the same thing. You can be a wonderfully spiritual and moral person without ever going to church. Or you can be judgemental and unloving while attending services every week.
For me it's about tending to my soul garden. Ideally you have the opportunity throughout the week for spiritual insight and growth, but I like knowing that I can go somewhere to focus on that.
I took a 'break' for several years in my 20's trying to figure out what, if anything, going to church meant to me. When I finally stepped foot inside a church again, I felt the most overwhelming feeling of love and connection, without knowing a person there. It makes sense to me. It reaches my core.
I love the feeling of going to church and renewing my perspective. If I'm not having a good week I get to start over with a fresh outlook. I get to feel love for and fully appreciate my family, whether they are with me or not. I get the chance to be a better me, over and over again.
I also embrace one day a week when I don't concern myself with shopping malls, or running errands, or paying bills. A day of rest. Or at least a couple of hours. A welcome reprieve. Taking a spiritual breath.
I hope I am a better person for it. I believe that I am.
That is why I go to church.
Friday, September 22, 2006
What The...????
I think I mentioned how much I was looking forward to the season premiere of Grey's Anatomy.
I waited and waited for 9pm and then watched with eager anticipation.
And it was good. But it wasn't as great as I'd hoped. There were gaps, like I missed something.
That's because ctv SHOWED THE WRONG EPISODE!!!
They aired the 2nd episode, not the first.
What kind of a** clowns do that??!!!
I waited and waited for 9pm and then watched with eager anticipation.
And it was good. But it wasn't as great as I'd hoped. There were gaps, like I missed something.
That's because ctv SHOWED THE WRONG EPISODE!!!
They aired the 2nd episode, not the first.
What kind of a** clowns do that??!!!
Thursday, September 21, 2006
Wednesday, September 20, 2006
Sometimes It's the Little Things
We had the best shopping trip ever today. At the grocery store. We got the car!
Ok, it wasn't quite so nice and shiny as the photo, but it worked like a charm.
No one ate the bananas through the peels, or chewed through the cheese, or tossed out breakable items. The only screaming occurred when we had to get out.
It was dreamy.
Now I just have to find a way to hide it away so it's there waiting for us next time.
Every time.
Ok, it wasn't quite so nice and shiny as the photo, but it worked like a charm.
No one ate the bananas through the peels, or chewed through the cheese, or tossed out breakable items. The only screaming occurred when we had to get out.
It was dreamy.
Now I just have to find a way to hide it away so it's there waiting for us next time.
Every time.
Monday, September 18, 2006
Happy Soup
While I like them I generally don't cook beets much, but I was inspired by Ms. Mmaaahhvy.
They are messy and time consuming, but the color alone made this soup worthwhile!
p.s. I thought it was good but they both had about 2 bites and wouldn't eat anymore
They are messy and time consuming, but the color alone made this soup worthwhile!
p.s. I thought it was good but they both had about 2 bites and wouldn't eat anymore
Better Than Prozac
On Saturday night I got to attend a Girl's Night Out. A have a few girlfriends that I like to get together with as often as possible, but not usually in a group.
These women I know on a friendly basis, but I haven't spent a lot of time with.
We were an interesting group.
2 of us have twin boys, one woman has 3 kids and is married to a gay man, one woman has 3 kids and is recently and sadly divorced, one woman has a daughter around 10, and a son almost the same age as my boys and a crazy mother-in-law, 2 are sisters, and one woman is single and never been married.
We enjoyed good food and great conversation. I don't remember when I have laughed so much! It was a real treat for me to get to know them better, and to enjoy such company. There is something about a group of women that can be so energizing.
I think we all often hear the negative traits of women critisizing and competing with each other, but I have always been blessed with the friendship and example of good women, including my family and especially my friends.
And it is much cheaper and loads more fun than the therapy I would need otherwise!
These women I know on a friendly basis, but I haven't spent a lot of time with.
We were an interesting group.
2 of us have twin boys, one woman has 3 kids and is married to a gay man, one woman has 3 kids and is recently and sadly divorced, one woman has a daughter around 10, and a son almost the same age as my boys and a crazy mother-in-law, 2 are sisters, and one woman is single and never been married.
We enjoyed good food and great conversation. I don't remember when I have laughed so much! It was a real treat for me to get to know them better, and to enjoy such company. There is something about a group of women that can be so energizing.
I think we all often hear the negative traits of women critisizing and competing with each other, but I have always been blessed with the friendship and example of good women, including my family and especially my friends.
And it is much cheaper and loads more fun than the therapy I would need otherwise!
Friday, September 15, 2006
19 Months
Wow. We're past 1.5 and heading closer to 2 now. 2 seems like a huge milestone. It will be here before I know it. And maybe we'll even be moved into our new house by then... I'm mostly kidding, but scared a little. But that's another post...
Anyway, the last few weeks of summer have been pretty good.
The Bug is saying a lot of words these days. I'm so impressed that he is actually recognizing things and names. I know other kids are already doing it, but it's still quite wonderful. He recognized the 'appos' at the grocery store. I said 'pretty' about some flowers and he said 'pitty'. And he loves 'buppos', either the blown variety or in the tub. And he says 'uh oh' for everything. It's just fun.
He is also getting his bottom molars. He has two on the top, but the others are still coming in.
The Bug is also really good at entertaining himself. Part of his independent nature I guess.
The Bee has been picking up some words as well. He is excellent at recognising parts of the face. He knows eyes, and mouth and tongue. I think his favorite is nose, honk honk (thanks Daddy). And bellybutton. If you're not careful he will find yours as well. My favorite is ears. He has very soft ears (thanks again Daddy) and will grab the tops of them and pull them down.
And then we sing, Do your ears hang low, do they wobble to-and-fro? Can you tie them in a knot, can you tie them in a bow?
He has molars on top and bottom already and is getting the incisors, mainly the one on the right. It is a sharp little triangle. It looks like a shark tooth.
The Bee is experiencing some separation issues lately. He likes to be where I am and gets quite upset if I leave. It's nice to feel wanted, but I hope this phase doesn't last too long. For both our sakes!
We look forward to the good things fall will bring.
I'm already thinking Halloween!
Anyway, the last few weeks of summer have been pretty good.
The Bug is saying a lot of words these days. I'm so impressed that he is actually recognizing things and names. I know other kids are already doing it, but it's still quite wonderful. He recognized the 'appos' at the grocery store. I said 'pretty' about some flowers and he said 'pitty'. And he loves 'buppos', either the blown variety or in the tub. And he says 'uh oh' for everything. It's just fun.
He is also getting his bottom molars. He has two on the top, but the others are still coming in.
The Bug is also really good at entertaining himself. Part of his independent nature I guess.
The Bee has been picking up some words as well. He is excellent at recognising parts of the face. He knows eyes, and mouth and tongue. I think his favorite is nose, honk honk (thanks Daddy). And bellybutton. If you're not careful he will find yours as well. My favorite is ears. He has very soft ears (thanks again Daddy) and will grab the tops of them and pull them down.
And then we sing, Do your ears hang low, do they wobble to-and-fro? Can you tie them in a knot, can you tie them in a bow?
He has molars on top and bottom already and is getting the incisors, mainly the one on the right. It is a sharp little triangle. It looks like a shark tooth.
The Bee is experiencing some separation issues lately. He likes to be where I am and gets quite upset if I leave. It's nice to feel wanted, but I hope this phase doesn't last too long. For both our sakes!
We look forward to the good things fall will bring.
I'm already thinking Halloween!
Thursday, September 14, 2006
Music: Part 2
Grey's Anatomy starts up again one week from tonight. I have rarely enjoyed a show so immensely. I even enjoy the repeats they've been showing for the past month.
Music is a big part of the show, with a lot of thought and time going into finding the right songs.
It's perfect.
Grace.
I can't wait to get the new cd.
I can't wait for next Thursday!
Music is a big part of the show, with a lot of thought and time going into finding the right songs.
It's perfect.
Grace.
I can't wait to get the new cd.
I can't wait for next Thursday!
Tuesday, September 12, 2006
I've Got the Music In Me: part 1
Well actually, I don't.
That's the problem. There is a void where the music should be.
At the moment it has a practical aspect. We have barricaded the stereo and video equipment as the wee ones like nothing better than to poke and prod and turn nobs. Or pull them right off. I have a little boom box, which we listen to occasionally but I can't find anywhere safe to set it where the kids can't pull it off or yank out the cord. It requires stealthy supervision.
CH has plans for some kick-a** stereo sounds in the new house, which will be a welcome addition to our lives. For all of us.
But the bigger issue is really what to listen to.
Growing up it was either top 40 radio stations from Calgary, or the local country station on the radio. I thought only hicks listened to country until I got to college and found the majority of the students in my small southern AB school went two-stepping on a regular basis.
I never really found my musical niche. It is something that takes effort and diligence. And time, which has been in short supply lately! I have friends with a stellar talent for finding and appreciating music, and I appreciate that.
I can barely stand to listen to any radio station in this city when I am in the car. So where do you find new music?
It's not that I'm a super-snob. I like a lot of music. It's just that I also don't like a lot of music. There is a lot of uninspiring crap out there being touted as music for the masses.
I think the internet has opened a lot of doors for the music industry. I don't want to argue the pros and cons of filesharing, etc, etc, but the reality is that music is more accessable than ever.
I love that.
Thank you internet.
*Amy Millan courtesy of PeaceSweetPeas.
The other great influence on music accessability these days, is of course TV. You can't hardly watch a show on the WB especially, that doesn't come with it's own soundtrack. It may still be music for the carefully targeted, often teenage masses, but it's still a great way to hear music. I think anything that gets your attention and entices you look further is a good thing.
That's the problem. There is a void where the music should be.
At the moment it has a practical aspect. We have barricaded the stereo and video equipment as the wee ones like nothing better than to poke and prod and turn nobs. Or pull them right off. I have a little boom box, which we listen to occasionally but I can't find anywhere safe to set it where the kids can't pull it off or yank out the cord. It requires stealthy supervision.
CH has plans for some kick-a** stereo sounds in the new house, which will be a welcome addition to our lives. For all of us.
But the bigger issue is really what to listen to.
Growing up it was either top 40 radio stations from Calgary, or the local country station on the radio. I thought only hicks listened to country until I got to college and found the majority of the students in my small southern AB school went two-stepping on a regular basis.
I never really found my musical niche. It is something that takes effort and diligence. And time, which has been in short supply lately! I have friends with a stellar talent for finding and appreciating music, and I appreciate that.
I can barely stand to listen to any radio station in this city when I am in the car. So where do you find new music?
It's not that I'm a super-snob. I like a lot of music. It's just that I also don't like a lot of music. There is a lot of uninspiring crap out there being touted as music for the masses.
I think the internet has opened a lot of doors for the music industry. I don't want to argue the pros and cons of filesharing, etc, etc, but the reality is that music is more accessable than ever.
I love that.
Thank you internet.
*Amy Millan courtesy of PeaceSweetPeas.
The other great influence on music accessability these days, is of course TV. You can't hardly watch a show on the WB especially, that doesn't come with it's own soundtrack. It may still be music for the carefully targeted, often teenage masses, but it's still a great way to hear music. I think anything that gets your attention and entices you look further is a good thing.
Go Heavy Go
I have been ispired by JT to bring Sexy Back.
Where did sexy go?
I don't know.
But I can tell you where it's not.
On my couch.
I checked.
Where did sexy go?
I don't know.
But I can tell you where it's not.
On my couch.
I checked.
Monday, September 11, 2006
The Chan Man
Several years ago (like 8-ish) I started work for a particular phone company. It was the last job in the world I would have imagined I'd be doing, calling people and asking about their phone service. Until I went to college I would never even call for pizza or to make a dr. appt. I am not a phone person. Anyway there were some perks...(well, hello always Charming future Husband)!
It happened that I was to share a cubicle with another member of my team, a Mr. Chan. OK, the Chan Man was only a couple years older than me, but he was somewhat of a legend on the team, and anyone within listening distance. Love him or hate him, you never forgot him. The guy could talk a mile a minute and say the most outrageous things, even to customers. It was hilarious. In person he could be even funnier.
And while this was one of the most unlikely jobs I ever had, it was also probably the most fun I ever had. It was a motly crew of people, talented and often eccentric, or just plain weird, but we'd have teambuilding events or all go out dancing together. The Chan Man was always a bit over the top. He was a large Asian man with a huge heart and a mouth to match. We got along great.
Now as time passes and we all went our separate ways, I still hear from the Chan Man now and then. Even when I least expect it, I'll get a call. I haven't seen him for a couple of years now, at least.
However, like clockwork, the other night there was a message on my machine. The Chan Man playing happy birthday to me on his guitar.
You cannot hear his voice and not smile.
Right back at you Chan Man!
Of course many thanks as well to my fave peeps for your Virgo love!
It happened that I was to share a cubicle with another member of my team, a Mr. Chan. OK, the Chan Man was only a couple years older than me, but he was somewhat of a legend on the team, and anyone within listening distance. Love him or hate him, you never forgot him. The guy could talk a mile a minute and say the most outrageous things, even to customers. It was hilarious. In person he could be even funnier.
And while this was one of the most unlikely jobs I ever had, it was also probably the most fun I ever had. It was a motly crew of people, talented and often eccentric, or just plain weird, but we'd have teambuilding events or all go out dancing together. The Chan Man was always a bit over the top. He was a large Asian man with a huge heart and a mouth to match. We got along great.
Now as time passes and we all went our separate ways, I still hear from the Chan Man now and then. Even when I least expect it, I'll get a call. I haven't seen him for a couple of years now, at least.
However, like clockwork, the other night there was a message on my machine. The Chan Man playing happy birthday to me on his guitar.
You cannot hear his voice and not smile.
Right back at you Chan Man!
Of course many thanks as well to my fave peeps for your Virgo love!
Thursday, September 07, 2006
Silver Lining
Well Pukefest seems to be over finally (knocking on wooden things). And we seem to have rid ourselves of the smell...except for the car. Yikes. Nothing like dried puke in a carseat on a hot day with the windows rolled up to really curl your nose hairs.
The Bee had the worst of it with a temperature. It was a little scary as he was barely moving or drinking for most of yesterday. We talked to the nurse though, and it was not anything to panic about and he seems to be feeling much better today. Poor little Bee.
It was so quiet yesterday.
I can tell they are feeling better today though. We have resumed our regular decible level....
The Bee had the worst of it with a temperature. It was a little scary as he was barely moving or drinking for most of yesterday. We talked to the nurse though, and it was not anything to panic about and he seems to be feeling much better today. Poor little Bee.
It was so quiet yesterday.
I can tell they are feeling better today though. We have resumed our regular decible level....
These Are New, Not Recyled!
Hooray!
Some photos from the weekend. Including:
Family Portrait
The Bug goes Hiking
The Housekeeping Cart
The Bee with Daddy
Some photos from the weekend. Including:
Family Portrait
The Bug goes Hiking
The Housekeeping Cart
The Bee with Daddy
Wednesday, September 06, 2006
So You Think You're Having a Bad Day...
And then it goes downhill from there.
I did something crazy yesterday. I made plans. And worse than that, I had expectations. It's a dangerous thing when you travel with 2 little time bombs just waiting to go off.
The one thing that I was entirely not prepared for with parenthood (ok, one of many) is the extreme range of emotions you constantly find yourself going through. From utter frustration to joy and adoration, and then back to wanting to pull your hair out.
Maybe it's just me...
So I made plans with a friend to go out, with the boys. I nice outing, some pastry, some sunshine. All good things. It lasted about 20 minutes and then it all went to h*ll. There's no sense in fighting it, so I packed it in. Feeling quite frustrated by the fact that even the simplest things can be a painful ordeal.
Fast forward to the parking lot at the grocery store. Nope. That wasn't going to happen either.
Fast forward to home. I get the Bee out of the car and he pukes. Oh wait, The Bug is also puking in his car seat.
Fast forward to an hour later. The boys have had a cool bath, which they hated and cried through. I scoop them up still wrapped in their towels and sit down down on the couch with one in each arm. As I look down on their damp blonde heads all I can see is the tip of their noses and their eyelashes as they flutter and become heavy and then close. The two of them both snuggled in and fell asleep. The sweetest thing.
I did something crazy yesterday. I made plans. And worse than that, I had expectations. It's a dangerous thing when you travel with 2 little time bombs just waiting to go off.
The one thing that I was entirely not prepared for with parenthood (ok, one of many) is the extreme range of emotions you constantly find yourself going through. From utter frustration to joy and adoration, and then back to wanting to pull your hair out.
Maybe it's just me...
So I made plans with a friend to go out, with the boys. I nice outing, some pastry, some sunshine. All good things. It lasted about 20 minutes and then it all went to h*ll. There's no sense in fighting it, so I packed it in. Feeling quite frustrated by the fact that even the simplest things can be a painful ordeal.
Fast forward to the parking lot at the grocery store. Nope. That wasn't going to happen either.
Fast forward to home. I get the Bee out of the car and he pukes. Oh wait, The Bug is also puking in his car seat.
Fast forward to an hour later. The boys have had a cool bath, which they hated and cried through. I scoop them up still wrapped in their towels and sit down down on the couch with one in each arm. As I look down on their damp blonde heads all I can see is the tip of their noses and their eyelashes as they flutter and become heavy and then close. The two of them both snuggled in and fell asleep. The sweetest thing.
Friday, September 01, 2006
Happy Long Weekend
Some fun things coming up and going around...
Art City
I'm hoping to check out some galleries this year. I didn't get out much last year...
Calgary Film Festival
If you are lucky you may even see Verbosity there!
Art Central First Thursday
I've wanted to go to one of these for a while now. Maybe this will be it!
One Smart Cookie
I enjoy Julie's Blog, and fall always makes me feel like cooking/baking.
Pacifica
I'm sure the $9 soaps are lovely, but it's really packaging I love. You can see them in person at Indigo.
I'm a little obsessed with birds lately. I was thinking of doing some in the kids new room along the lines of 'The Littlest Birds' theme. (cute birds, not creepy scary birds, but not too cute, cuz it's a boys room)
I love these
.
Art City
I'm hoping to check out some galleries this year. I didn't get out much last year...
Calgary Film Festival
If you are lucky you may even see Verbosity there!
Art Central First Thursday
I've wanted to go to one of these for a while now. Maybe this will be it!
One Smart Cookie
I enjoy Julie's Blog, and fall always makes me feel like cooking/baking.
Pacifica
I'm sure the $9 soaps are lovely, but it's really packaging I love. You can see them in person at Indigo.
I'm a little obsessed with birds lately. I was thinking of doing some in the kids new room along the lines of 'The Littlest Birds' theme. (cute birds, not creepy scary birds, but not too cute, cuz it's a boys room)
I love these
.
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