A Mere Few Days Away...

The 6th and Final season of one of my all time favorite shows is set to premiere a mere 4 days from now.

In case you don't know the show I'm referring to, is abc's LOST. I watched the very first "pilot" episode back in October of 2004. I was pregnant with Madelyn, because when I was preggy I was in bed early. Very early (Barry fondly looks back to the time of great sleep, when I scooted off to bed any time after 9 pm). After all, I had a 2 year old, and worked p/t. So by the time night arrived, I could barely remember who I was. I remember sitting in bed one night, flipping through channels and became absolutely MESMERIZED by this horrific plane crash. [Which is now lovingly referred to as the crash of Oceanic 815]. I tried to get Barry to watch, but he wouldn't. I think he uttered things along the lines of "I don't want to be a slave to the TV..." I watched week after week and was scared, thrilled, unbelieving, excited. I could barely wait to see the clip or spoiler of the upcoming weeks episode. That clip held me over for the entire week.

Then a wonderful thing happened. They began to replay the series, and Barry quite by accident, saw the now infamous plane crash. He saw the pilot yanked out a window by something eerie and mysterious. There were these intense scenes, that even got HIS attention. There was blood. There was gore. There was something quite sinister, that creeped us both out. Before he could even help himself, he was hooked too.

We've been faithful fans for the past 5 years. We've waited very patiently the last few seasons, as the premieres didn't start until January... [Not that we were at all happy about it] We waited through a writers strike. We have been disappointed with reruns. We've been a part of message boards. We've tried to figure out the show. We've tried to NOT figure out the show. And now, our patience is being rewarded.

Tuesday night, we'll be sitting glued in front of the telly, as the season premiere for the 6th and Final Season of LOST begins (and ultimately ends). I'm beyond thrilled to finally find out what the heck is going on, and sad that it will be coming to an end. LOST has been our TV date night, and it's going to take something BIG to replace this show. I won't worry now, about what our replacement is going to be (after all, we do manage the other 8 months of the year without it). I'm looking forward to a big old bowl of popcorn, and some answered questions. And who knows, maybe we'll get back onto those message boards and try and figure the whole thing out!

Our New Family Member

Meet Gilbert.
Our newest member is a red fan-tailed Betta...Or wait, maybe it was a veil-tailed Betta... Hmmmm, I actually don't recall what kind of a tail he has... But I do know he uses it to swim.

Gilbert came to live with us Monday after school. We all piled into the car and headed to the Pet store. Once we got there, this little guy is the one who won over the hearts of the kids. Well, Madelyn's heart actually. She is the one who picked him out. Suddenly Mason became indifferent, until the name game started. On the way home, they wanted to name him George, or Bob. Madelyn wanted to name him Goldie... (when he's clearly red...) So I put a few suggestions in the pot and Mason settled on Gilbert. (You know Mum, he's got gills because he's a fish, and Bert from Sesame Street... Gilbert) Ok little dude, Gilbert it is.

These two were so excited, when we finally got down to the DAY that we were going fish shopping Mason said to me "Really Mum? TODAY is the day we're getting our fish?" They are both so excited. One feeds him in the morning, one feeds him after school. There has been a lot of excitement surrounding this purchase. [And as the water in the tank begins to get slightly cloudy on day 2, I think....Awwww crap] Because I'm pretty sure I'll be the one doing all the fish maintenance.

And THAT people, is the reason was can commit to a fish, and not a dog... I've got all I can handle.

Still Documenting...

It's been a lot more work than I thought it would be... Well, actually that's a lie. I knew it would be A LOT of work. Can you believe it's the end of January, and for the most part, I've captured a little bit of something each day. I just hope I've captured the right things.

Last week we went and watched the Olympic Torch head through a small little town, 15 minutes from the city. And can you believe I didn't even blog about it? Seriously, what's up with that?

So here's my blurb about that.

Tuesday January 19th, we kept Mason home from school (the rule-breakers that we are... NOT)and went to see the Olympic torch pass through Chestermere. We lucked out with the weather (as did all torch runners, as it passed through Calgary and area) I'm talking it was on the PLUS side of zero. Here, in Calgary Alberta, it was the plus side of 0°. It was so easy to get caught up in the excitement, and everyone is SO excited. It's been 22 years since the torch last made it's way through here for the '88 Olympics.

We kind of debated about actually going. I'm so glad we did. I don't how much of it the kids will remember (of course, we got some great pictures of the day). It might be the crowd of people they remember, getting to hold an actual torch, seeing the mascots Quatchi & Miga (whom they got their picture taken with), or possibly the music that was played. Maybe they'll remember it, because it was the day Mason didn't get to school until 2pm. In any case, it was a great experience, and it was so easy to get caught up in the excitement. Who knows when or if we'll ever get a chance to see the Olympic torch close up like this again. I'm glad we got ourselves there.





On another very important note, Ama & Baba left today for sunnier pastures. They're headed to Arizona for the rest of winter. Please drive safe, our prayers are with you. Hope the roads are clear and free.

Philippians 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

Can't wait to hear about the first Target stop.

No Paper Yet

That's right. Since my last post, I haven't used one SINGLE paper towel. And I don't think Barry has either! [The ONLY reason for that mind you, is because I haven't been witness to a spill] I told him about my quest for a better earth, and he just rolled his eyes at me. It's safe to say he's not on-board.

In other news... To go along w/my documenting, I thought I'd add this to my monthly list as well. See how and if things change over the year. I thought if I keep up with my random 10 on the 10th day of each month in 2010, then I might as well do something fun for the 20th of each month. Fun stuff. So here is my:

For Today: Wednesday January 20th, 2010

Outside my window… It’s 7:30 pm it’s dark. I’m looking forward to the days getting longer.

I am thinking... it will be such a treat to get these kids into bed tonight.

I am thankful for... a warmer than usual January.

I am wearing… my old faithful black sweats, tank top, long sleeved tee and crocs. [Going to go and grab a hoodie, I’m ALWAYS so cold]

I am remembering... That it’s been a long time since I talked to JoAnn.

I am going... to pop some corn after these kids are in bed, and sit on the couch with the remote in my hand.

I am currently reading... Such a Pretty Fat by Jen Lancaster

I am hoping... that my parents have a safe trip down south…

On my mind... I feel sick about the people in Haiti.

Noticing that... It is getting a bit easier, with the kids getting older.

Pondering these words... "I know God won’t give me more than I can handle. I just wish he didn’t trust me so much.” – Author Mother Theresa

From the kitchen... made a delicious banana bread cake. Won’t last long!

Around the house... Still in the process of de-cluttering. Have a pile of stuff in my bedroom that needs to be donated to the Salvation Army.

One of my favorite things... waking up to sunshine.


From my picture journal...

Environment Crusader

I don't want to come across as bragging or anything, but last night I got a night out! Woohoo! Went to a movie with a couple of my girlfriends. We saw The Blind Side. It was terrific. I would highly recommend it.

I read Ali Edwards blog, and she linked to this particular email, that is all about creating a paperless kitchen in your home. Of course I'm very intrigued by it. I agree with it. And for the most part, I try as hard as I can to do my part. Having said that, creating a paperless kitchen is ONLY as good as the people you live with... [And I live with Barry] Enough said. It took me nearly 4 years to get him on-side with my quest to recycle. I hired a company for curbside pick up of our recycling, when we moved to our house. I was tickled to find out exactly HOW MANY THINGS could be recycled (including hard and soft plastics) I wanted them to come to me, because I KNEW I wouldn't got to them. I sorted, and bagged and did my part, and Bar, well he put stuff in the garbage... I often ranted and raved about 'how I'm trying to make a better place for our kids'. And still, he threw stuff in the trash. One day he suddenly started adding things into the recycling box, rather than the trash. I'm not trying to convince you that I've got him converted, because the other day, I noticed yogurt containers in the garbage, after he'd fed the kids lunch. So we are by NO MEANS there. But he's at least recognized, that stuff can indeed be recycled. The thing that I was so shocked about, when we began recycling, is HOW MUCH STUFF I recycle every week. How many things are NOT going to the landfill. Our garbage output reduced drastically. We only put out one bag a week, which I'm quite proud of. Especially if you take a drive through out neighborhood on garbage day. I have NO idea what people are throwing away, but it's shocking how many bags some houses put out.

Now, to get back to my point about a paperless kitchen. I don't know if I could EVER get Bar on side with NOT using paper towels. In fact, I wonder if maybe he has stock in a paper towel company and hasn't told me about. I have never seen a guy use as many paper towels as he can go through. We're talking juice spills on the floor (which c'mon, I have 2 kids, it happens on a weekly/daily basis) he jumps up, and grabs the PT, and off come 15 towels linked together, as he begins to mop of the floor. After that goes into the garbage, he pulls off another 15 PT, just to ensure the job is done. Maybe he wets a few PT to go over the area (juice is extremely sticky you know) Then maybe a few more PT to dry the area... We can put a serious dent in a roll of PT, from just one spill.

So, my seemingly impossible task is going to be to create a paperless kitchen, and get Bar very much on board... Wish me luck.

January 10, 2010 - 10 on the 10th

I thought this was something kind of fun... I'll post 10 random things, on the 10th of every month for 2010. So here we go:

1. I was excited about getting the Wii and Rockband for the kids for Christmas, but seriously, if I have to listen to Ghostbusters or We Will Rock You ONE MORE TIME, I’m liable to take my own life…

2. I would like to know why a glass of red wine with dinner, often turns into an ENTIRE bottle. Like is it IMPOSSIBLE to put the cork back in or what?

3. Today I made Roasted Garlic Bread… Well, perhaps that statement is somewhat misleading. What I ACTUALLY did was add ingredients in the order suggested by the manufacturer (into my bread maker) but I would like to take SOME credit, ‘cause it was pretty darn tasty.

4. This morning, I checked my voice mail at 11:34 am, and realized I had 26 minutes to whip up BRUNCH for our guests… Communication is key isn’t it?

5. We’ve had a 35° temperature change in 4 days. From -30° to +9°. Are you kidding me? Our entire street is treacherous and sheer ice. Where else in Canada does this happen?

6. I’m working on invites for my nieces wedding. I’m hosting a shower for her, and I’m loving being the ‘designer’ of my own shower invites.

7. I didn’t leave my house today, and there was a nap involved… (After our brunch guests left of course) Talk about lazy and lov’in it!

8. At 7:29 pm, my kids were showered, jammied and trying to figure out what snack they’re having before bed. THAT is what happens when you have 2 back to back late nights over the weekend.

9. I’m trying to make my meal plans for the upcoming week, but let’s keep in mind, I’ve had ½ a bottle of wine

10. I’m looking forward to getting together with my girls tomorrow afternoon for coffee. Once these little ones get into preschool, it’s hard to plan a coffee date together!

Back to School

I had two little people out of the house today... (I say today, like I had 6+ hours of alone time, wondering what to do with myself) What I meant to say is Mason started back to school yesterday, and Madelyn went back to preschool this afternoon. I ran errands, took back some returns, browsed the terribly depleted 70% off Christmas section at Michael's and enjoyed the solitude. I wanted to pick up these little gems for next year...

There I stood, for I don't know how long, humming and hawing, and what did I decide? Well, I could EASILY use my cricut to make the snowflakes (after all, I'm quite crafty) So I walked away. But I'm blogging about it right now, so no doubt I should have picked it up. (But they only sell them in a pack of 12!) Who makes 12 cupcakes? No one. So then you'd need to buy 2. There, I just talked myself through that, and feel much better now.

(I also had to hold myself back from p/u Valentine's stuff) Man... One celebration down, another up to take it's place. It's so easy to get caught up in all this crap. Isn't it? Or is it just me? I gotta tell you, I LOVE IT. But I walked away from that too. Nicely done.

Then I came home to a quiet house, for the first time in 3 wks. I kid you not. It was only for 35 minutes, but it was dreamy while it lasted. On Friday afternoon, I might even BAKE something by myself! Now that's heaven I tell ya!

Happy New Year

We made it.

It's officially 2010.

This is how we started off 2010...

And yes, it was indeed colder than the forecast led us to believe it would be [-16° to be exact] But when you have a new toboggan, and you're waiting very patiently, you just have to go for it! We bundled up and headed out to the nearest hill, which is thankfully a very short drive from us. We had a blast. It's the first time I've been on a toboggan in years, and to feel that wind on your face, and tears running down your cheeks, well let's face it, there's nothing like it.

The kids felt I didn't go down the hill enough times. They thought I was kind of a wimp, but let me remind you a little something about being at the tobogganing hill... You ride down, yes you do. And it's fun and exhilarating. But you have to turn around and come back up. These two rug rats run up, no problem-o. But me... That's another story. A sad state it was when I surfaced the top of the hill huffing and puffing...[legs AND lungs burning] Indeed I'm out of shape. When these two sweet little faces are begging me "Please Mummy, can we go tobogganing again" How can I possibly resist? Good exercise it is at that! Can't wait to get out there again!

My word of 2010 I've decided is:

DOCUMENT - noun - any written item, as a book, article, or letter, esp. of a factual or informative nature.

Some of you maybe think I do a good job of documenting already...I do scrapbook. I do keep a blog. I do take pictures. I do record events. To be honest, I always thought I did a good job 'documenting' our lives. Then I took a class by Ali Edwards [which is over now] and as I tuned in and listened to her lecture once a week, I realized with a fright, that I don't even come to close to documenting my life, my kids lives, my families life etc. in a way that 5 years down the road I'll look back at and be glad at...

I realize that I am my own person. I know I don't have to compete with any one, and I certainly don't want to compare myself to others. But one thing that Ali will be able to do 10 years from now, is look back at something, read it and REMEMBER it. If someone is going to be the story teller of our family, then I WANT it to be me. In my kids short 7 and 4 years, I've already lost track of who said what, the words I never wanted to forget. I remember that all Mason's L-words, started with a 'Y'. Yips = lips, "Stop Yooking at me"... But if I don't document them it's not exactly something I'll remember when he's 16 and just got his driver's license. The same way I won't remember that when Madelyn is trying to say words that begin with 'th', she says 'f' as in 'fank you Mummy, fank you very much'. Or how she has memorized 'her' version of Hark the Herald Angels sing this Christmas. These little tidbits are what completely endear me to my kids, and I don't want to forget any of it.

So my goal this year, is to document 2010 in a 365 picture a day style. I don't really know how I'll do it. I don't know that it will all be pictures. I think it will be a little bit of everything. I do know that it is going to keep me thinking, and in the moment. I'm not going to set myself up for failure. I realize that I might not get a picture every single day... But what I will have is a tidbit of information, or a paper clipping, or a bit of journal ling. And it'll come together as I go.