Happy Halloween!

Personalize funny videos and birthday eCards at JibJab!

Yeehaw!

Last week was the start of St@mpede.  While I'm not a big fan of the occasion, I will use it as an excuse to do this to my dogs.  I duded them up!

How cute are they???  I was holding a couple of cookies to get them to sit still, hence the reason they are looking up.

Best Friends

The reason we need a child.  It's fun practicing with these two in the meantime.

Another Giveaway

Time for another giveaway!  Up for grabs is your choice of one of these three zippered pouches.  The yellow one has a pale yellow interior and the other two have a red with white polka dot interior.

So how to you qualify for the draw?  If you are on F@cebook go to my page and share the picture on your profile.  Leave me a message that you've done so and you are entered.  It's that easy!  If you're not on FB, go to my Etsy shop here and add my shop as a favourite.  Just drop me a line to let me know you've done so.

Deadline to enter is April 22nd.

Let the fun begin!

Dog sledding and the aftermath

Last week my department at work went dog sledding as a team building event.  I was very, very nervous about it.  I was worried I would have to drive the dogs and that I would fall off the sled and have the dogs go running wild. I was concerned about the dogs and the fact they would have to haul me and my excess weight around.  I felt very sorry for them.  I was also nervous about the cold.  I don't like the cold and it's been such a harsh winter.

To ensure that I didn't feel any cold I spent a small fortune at Mountain Equipment Co-op.  I bought my three layers to keep my body warm as well as fleece pants and snow pants.  My supervisor lent me the best, warmest socks ever.  I made myself a gaiter neck tube, something like this. I bought industrial mitts so my fingers wouldn't freeze.  With my toque and boots that I already had I was set to go.

So off we went to the dog sledding location in the mountains.  We got our orientation and it really didn't make me feel any better or any more confident.  The guide kept telling us what we shouldn't do or else we'd fall off, spook the dogs, etc. My colleague and I were assigned our sled and I opted to go along for the ride for the first half rather than drive (I don't want to drive a car, never mind a pack of dogs who all think their the alpha).  The dogs, I might add, were quite cute.  

Being the passenger wasn't too bad, except for the parts when we hit some bumps.  You felt every jolt and bump on that thing.  The shocks weren't very good.  We reached our halfway point and stepped on the brake so my co-worker could go and pet the dogs.  Then our guide told us to get ready, we were heading off and I was going to be driving.  Did I mention we were on a frozen lake at this point?  Yeah, extra reason to panic.  I was so nervous.  I gripped on to that sled for all I was worth.  Thankfully my colleague was very encouraging and never made me feel like I was doing something wrong.  Our pack was amazing and listened really well, mostly.  

Before I knew it, the ride was over and we survived, I didn't kill my colleague and the pack never got away from me.  I realized afterwards I really did have a good time, especially petting the puppies. It truly was a wonderful experience and we got to experience it in one of the most beautiful areas in our area.

Saturday though was another story.  I woke up with a sore back and sore arms.  I was so sore I could barely lift my arms above my head.  My back ached if I stood up for too long.  Bending was very, very difficult.  I went for a massage but the masseuse didn't hit the areas that I needed hit.  I did manage to heal in time to go to work on Monday.

Proof that I did it and didn't kill anyone, me driving and my colleague enjoying the ride. I loved our pack.  They were amazing.

Happy Early Valentines Day!

Personalize funny videos and birthday eCards at JibJab!

Mini Get Away

This year I was told I had to take time off because I had too much time banked.  Rather than mope around the house, we decided to head down to Las Vegas.  Neither one of us are gamblers but there's so much more down there than just the casinos.

We went shopping at the outlet mall, my goodness the deals were amazing!  We went to one the Cirque du Soleil shows called Ka at the MGM.  The show was spectacular, I would recommend it to anyone.  We also were able to meet with an old friend of Shawn's who happened to be in Vegas at the same time as us.

The weather wasn't great, it rained a bit.  But it was better than at home.  At least there wasn't snow and it was above zero so it was all good.

Here are some of my favourite pictures.

Even Jinx enjoyed her mini vacation at daycare.  She was exhausted by the time she got home from playing so much.

Just for fun

Personalize funny videos and birthday eCards at JibJab!

My New Tote

I made this for myself this weekend.  It has two big pockets on the outside six smaller pockets on the inside.  I'm very happy with it.

I may try to make another this weekend.  It takes me about three to four hours to make one so I have no reason not to.

For the love of stretchy pants

Okay, no more brooding or heaviness.  From now on it's good times (well I'll try at least).

If you had asked me 5 years ago, heck if you had asked me a year ago how I feel about stretchy pants (i.e. yoga pants or  jogging pants) I would've said they should only be worn at the gym or at home. Never, ever, ever should they be worn out in public.  However, if you ask me now, I have a very different opinion.

Here is my history with stretchy pants.  When we were going through fertility treatments, I became very bloated.  That's when I started wearing stretchy pants but only at home.  I suffered when I was public squeezing myself into my dress pants and jeans.  I refused to wear them in public.

Last year I bought a pair of yoga pants and I just love them!  I started wearing them more often around the house but would change before we went out.  Then one day, I didn't feel like changing so I wore them in public.  You know what happened?  Nothing!  The fashion police didn't give me a ticket for wearing them in public. 

So now I wear my stretchy pants whenever I can, out in public, on a plane, on long car rides, everywhere and anywhere. Plus, I'm getting to the age where I just don't care anymore.  So long as I'm comfortable, that's all that matters.

The Dark Void

For the past few months there's been a darkness in our lives.  No matter what we tried we couldn't shake it.  Every night we'd come home and wonder how much longer until the darkness dissipated. 

Tonight is the night.  All our favourite shows are back with brand new episodes!  We also have new shows to try on as well (Hawaii 5-0 anyone?). I can not wait for my date with Dr. House, Chuck and Castle. Yes, I get around. 

You've all been missed.

Crafty Goodness

Since we moved out here, I've taken to crafts like it's nobody's business.  Could be due to the fact we don't have any friends here which means I have lots of time on my hands.  I mentioned before that my "craft room" is my basement.  It does the job, it just gets really cold down there in the window so I have two portable heaters to help keep me warm.  Maybe one day we'll put drywall up and a fireplace so it will feel like a real craft room.

Here is how I store my big pieces of fabric.  Anybody have any suggestions on how to make this easier?  I have a fabric addiction and this is the result.

Here is where all the sewing magic happens.

My cutting table.  I'm currently working on a baby blanket for one of my colleagues.

This is how I store my scraps of fabric that are too small for the other shelf but still good enough for a project.

Which brings me to my next topic.  When I started sewing, I was going at it without someone to help me.  While I have had success with many projects, the first few, not so much.  So I have an offer for those that are okay with items that are less than perfect.  If you would like any of these items  leave a comment and let me know if you're interested in one particular item, two, three or all four.  I guess this is a good way as well to see who's still reading.

What's wrong with this you ask?

I forgot that run tends to run in the wash.  It bled right through to the back.  It's made out of flannelet with quilt batting in the middle.

I can't put my finger on this one but I just don't like the way it turned out.  The front is flannelet and the back is a soft, minky type of fabric.

 

The seam on this dress didn't turn out the way I wanted.  By the time I realized this the dress was done and I didn't want to unravel the whole thing.  This is made of cotton.

  

The seam on this hat is just off kilter.  It should fit a 1-3 year old.  Made of fleece.

I'll take submissions until September 30th, just over two weeks. Make sure you leave your email address or name so I can contact you.

What are you waiting for?  Start commenting.

Life Affirmations

We can all learn from this little girl.

Namaste

The other day some of my work colleagues invited me to a yoga class. The last time I did yoga was over 5 years ago when we found out having biological children would be impossible for us. I thought I would take up yoga to help me deal with it, to find peace and center myself. Well, the class was a joke. With over 25 participants, the instructor didn't have the time to go around and make sure everyone was getting the full benefit of the class. I dropped out after a few sessions.

Can I tell you though how glad I am that I went? I had such a good class! I worked out muscles I didn't think I had, I stretched my chubby body into poses I didn't think a chubby body could. I was really perspiring (cuz you know, women don't sweat). Don't get me wrong, while I was in the class I was cursing but it was awesome! Can't wait until Tuesday when I get to go again.

Can I get a yahoo?

It's Stampede week here in town. So that means all the cowboys from everywhere in the world have converged on the city. I swear I've never seen so many cowboy hats, boots and big belt buckles in my life. Everyone and their dog thinks they're cowboys, including...


Yup, he's gone native.

Tagged again

I've been tagged by Tracey for the Seven Things meme. Here's what it's about ...

Seven Things...Here's what I need to do: list 7 random things about me that many of you out in blogland may not know. The rules say I must link the person (or people) who sent this to me and leave a comment on their blog(s) so their readers can visit me. The rules have to be posted on my blog (that's why I'm writing this).

RULES: Share 7 facts about yourself. Tag 7 random people at the end of your post, linking their blog. Let each person know they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.

OK- in no particular order, here are 7 things about me that you might not know:

1. We have a Wii and I've become an expert boxer on it. I love the boxing game, it lets me get all my frustrations out. I love "boxing" against Shawn because I always win. And it's great exercise.

2. I wish I could flip a house. I watch a lot of HGTV and I've always wanted to be able to redo a house from top to bottom. If it weren't for the fact that I don't have the time, money or talent to do it.

3. When I was six, I had my tonsils taken out. I then hemorrhaged and needed an emergency blood transfusion.

4. I don't drive. I don't even have my license. Yes, I know it's something that I have to get and will work on it...at some point. When I was in university I was in an accident and had a concussion, ever since then cars and driving make me paranoid.

5. I'm going to be an auntie again this summer. My sister is expecting number two, I'm very excited about this and especially because we'll be close by to help her out when he/she comes to the world since my mom is no longer here to help her.

6. I don't like cooking. I'll do it if I have to but I don't enjoy it. Takes too much work for too little reward.

7. This year makes it six years that Shawn and I have been trying to start our family. By the sounds of it, we'll have to wait another six years. *sigh*

If you've made it to the end of this, consider yourself tagged!

I'm it!

I've been tagged by Michelle.

I am supposed to provide some interesting little facts about me…here it goes!

4 jobs I’ve had - these are past tense and NOT my current position:
1. Counter help at a tourist attraction (I served the food people asked for)
2. Sales associate during university
3. Bank teller
4. Library tech

4 movies watched over and over:
1. Any of the Harry Potter movies
2. Strictly Ballroom
3. The Full Monty
4. The Princess Bride

4 places I’ve lived:
1. Barcelona, Spain
2. Toronto, ON
3. Current hometown
4. In a month I'll have a fourth place

4 shows I watch:
1. House
2. Holmes on Homes
3. Criminal Minds
4. Chuck

4 people who e-mail me regularly:
1. Shawn
2. Nicole
3. Shelley
4. Jenna

4 favorite things to eat:
1. Ice Cream
2. Pizza
3. Tangerines
4. Extreme Pita

4 places I’d rather be:
1. Any beach where it's warm
2. On vacation
3. Sleeping
4. My new house in Alberta

4 things I look forward to this year:
1. Moving
2. Welcoming a new niece/nephew
3. Finding a job I like
4. Having friends visit us

OK, now I get to tag 4 other people!
1. Lisa
2. Tracey
3. Kris
4. Kristine

Because he asked...

Because Mark asked I'm posting his picture. It reminds me of a Star Trek character. Enjoy everyone!

Hello again!

We made it back home safe and sound in one piece. What a great time we had out west! It was the first time for both Shawn and I. We finally got to see the Rockies! Talk about spectacular...I've never seen anything so majestic in my life. I was in awe of their beauty. We took a whole bootload of pictures but the fact of the matter is, no picture does the scenery justice.

On the way to Banff

At Banff (yes it was that cold!)

At Lake Louise

We found this big guy on the soccer field at the Banff Springs hotel

At the border between Alberta and British Columbia

We took a whole bunch of pictures so this is just a small taste of what we have. All our other pictures are still on the memory cards, so hopefully I'll have them available soon.

We also did a tour of Calgary which took us to the downtown core, China town, the ski jumps from the 1988 Olympics, Kensington Street (the posh area of Calgary), and a whole bunch of other areas.

We went to Drumheller "The Dinosaur Capital of the World". We went to the Royal Tyrell Museum. We saw some of the most amazing fossils, it was like being a little kid again. It was spectacular!

Of course the highlight for us was being able to spend time with Isabel, Mark and Lucas. I didn't realize how much I missed having them close by until I saw them again. Lucas went crazy when he saw us at the airport and I went crazy when I saw him. When I went to pick him up, I realized how old I'm getting because that kid now weighs a ton! He made us laugh with all his crazy antics. It was so much fun being able to play with him, read to him, talk to him and laugh with him. Do I miss them.

All in all we had a great time and can't wait to go back. Maybe Alberta isn't so evil after all.

Nice Matters and Smiling Award

I'm trying to catch up from my hiatus. While I was gone, a few people though of me for the "Nice Matters" awards. I am very humbled and thankful. Thank you, Doris, Rhonda and Lisa for thinking of me. I'm suppose to now nominate others for this award. Since I'm so far behind on this, there are many who have already been given the nod, including Michelle, K1, Janet and Nicole. So here it goes:

Tracey from Becoming Five. Tracey is such a sweet and caring person. You can see the love she has to give just shine through her children. We were lucky to be able to meet them at the airport this summer when they returned home with their daughter Ran. Even though at that time they had only been together for two weeks, it seemed as if they'd together forever.

Kristine from Butterfly Kisses & 100 Good Wishes. Kristine has been a great champion, especially when we were doing the Ride for Heart. Her generosity and encouraging words helped get me through a difficult ride. For that, I am eternally grateful.

Jill from There is Nothing Like a Dream. Jill is such a beautiful person, inside and out. She has an infectious laugh that you can't help but laugh along. She is a caring person who's quick to drop an email if things are going a bit rough.

I've also been given a nod for the "You Make Me Smile" award by Cyndi. I'm very touched that I manage to make at least one person smile. Here is what the person who created the award had to say about it:

The thing that I love most about blogging is that I learn so much about a person just by reading their blog. I have met MANY wonderful people with wonderful stories to tell,and I am grateful every day for each person that I have the pleasure of crossing paths in life with.I wanted to create something special for the top ten people who have inspired me through their blogging; the stories they tell, and the lives that they lead with grace and dignity. I visit their blogs for inspiration and encouragement.
Please grab your badge and wear it proudly, and pass it on because you inspire and encourage me, thank you.

I am now to nominate 10 people so here we go...

1. Michelle
2. K1
3. Rhonda
4. Doris
5. Nicole
6. Lisa
7. RMJ
and the above three mentioned ladies. Thank you all so very much for putting a smile on my face.