Happy birthday Shawn!

Happy birthday to the bestest husband ever!

Personalize funny videos and birthday eCards at JibJab!

He's pretty funky for a white boy.

Movember

This year Shawn has decided to participate in Movember.  For those of you who don't know, Movember is a month long event where participants grow mustaches during the month of November.  Participants try to raise funds for prostate cancer research.

If you can take the time to sponsor him, please go here. While I'm not partial to his mustache (I think it makes him look kind of creepy and it's itchy) I am very proud of him for taking the initiative for something that's so important.

Shawn and his caterpillar.

What we've been up to

I'm back...sort of. I don't know if anyone is still visiting since it's been a few months.  I realized the last few weeks that I need somewhere to release my ramblings so here I am.

So, this past summer (if you want to call it that since the weather was horrible) we had a visit from Shawn's cousins.  They came during Stampede...not the best time to come if you want to give someone a good impression of the city.  But that's a story for another day.  Anyways, they came to visit and we had a lovely time with them.  It's always nice to have visitors from home come see us (hint, hint).

We went away twice as well.  Once out east to Nova Scotia and Price Edward Island.  We were fortunate enough to have booked our vacation at the same time as 3D's so we finally got to meet Miss D.  What an absolute peanut!  She's one of the sweetest kids I've met.

We were lucky enough to see Red Sand and her family.  We got to meet her boys and talk about their experience with their little guys.

We had a lovely time in PEI!  I told Shawn that one day in the future I would like to go back to PEI for a longer visit.  Two days was not enough to see such a beautiful island.

Our other trip was back home.  We were lucky enough to witness our friends as they took their marriage vows.  It was such a lovely ceremony and reception.  It was made even better by the fact we got to see our other friends! Two celebrations in one day.

Of course we have Jinx as well that's keeping us on our toes as always.  She's so big and getting cuter every day.  At least I think so.

Honestly, who can say no to a face like this?

Along with some of my work colleagues, we were able to support the Heart and Stroke Foundation with the Big Bike Challenge.  Together, we were able to raise just over $7,000, the most in our company's history.  That makes me happy.  If it helps save one life, the begging will be worth it.

That's it for now.  I'll be back soon.  Hopefully.

10 Years

I am one lucky girl.

Happy birthday Shawn

On this day, many years ago, my soul mate, best friend and all around great guy was born.

Happy birthday sweetheart! I wish you a wonderful year ahead. Isn't he just styling? No wonder I love him so much.

Nine

Nine years ago today Shawn and I stood before our family and friends and pledged our love and lives together.

Happy anniversary my love! Here's to many more years together.

(This picture was taken at our friend's wedding last year, I did not wear black on my wedding day).

Happy Birthday to Shawn!

Happy birthday to Shawn! Today is the day that he made his grand entrance in the world and it's a better place for it.

I hope you have a great day! Love you with all my heart.


P.S. We are back home. I'll post pictures of our trip as soon as my body adjusts to the time change.

Renewing the Pledge

Many, many moons ago, I made this pledge. I was doing really well and then my mom passed away and I lost interest in everything. I've tried several times to get the mojo back but nothing seemed to get me going again the way I did before. Needless to say, the pounds have been packing on. As a result, my energy level is in the toilet, my clothes are getting tighter and tighter and this is not good.

A couple of weeks ago, Shawn and I went to our local community centre and signed up for a membership. Not only that, we hired a trainer as well. We've been meeting with her for the past couple of weeks. She is kicking our butts and we haven't felt better! Our trainer has given us a a routine we are to do that includes cardio and weights. I now know that I don't really like weights but I love the cardio. I am absolutely exhausted when I get home but like I said I haven't felt this good in a long time.

I am determined to loose weight, get in shape and increase my energy level before we become parents. I want to make sure we are healthy and strong so we can be the best parents possible. I also want to set a good example to our child and live the healthiest lifestyle we possibly can. My personal goal, at least 40 pounds. We'll see how it goes.

Eight

Eight years ago I married my best friend, my rock and my soul mate. I can't believe how quickly the time has gone by. I can't wait to see what this year brings us!

Love you forever Shawn!

Happy Birthday Shawn!

Today this handsome little guy turns one year older. Happy birthday to my wonderful husband Shawn. I hope everything you wish for comes happens this year.

You've been the best rock, supporter and friend a girl could ever ask for. I can't imagine what life would be like without you.

Love you always.

Big News Revealed!

Back on New Year's Eve, I alluded to some big news. I can now reveal it.

After much thought and consideration, Shawn and I have made a big decision. No it's not a referral, no we're not getting divorced, no we're not dropping out of China. Shawn has been offered a position in Evil Alberta and we've decided that he should take it. In other words, we're moving to Evil Alberta.

I handed in my notice today. Ahhh that was sweet. Shawn starts the first week in March but I need time to pack our stuff and decide what we need and don't need. I don't have employment but I don't think I should have too much trouble finding something out there.

We found a house when we were there last and we purchased it. We are not selling our house, we will rent it out instead and keep it as an investment property. It's a cute little place that has three bedrooms, lots of room for visitors (hint, hint).

We're very excited and anxious at the same time. I've never made such a big move. But at least we're going to be close to my sister (we're only 15 minutes away).

I'm not going to start about how I'm going to miss everyone because I'll start to cry. But I want everyone who's local to us and who we've had the great pleasure of meeting in the past year how much we're going to miss you guys. You mean so much to both Shawn and I. I wish I had the words to express this but I don't because there are no words. I will miss you all fiercely. Okay, so much for not saying how much I'm going to miss everyone. I expect visits from each and everyone of you. And we will be back.

So that is our big news.

12

Well, we made it to our 1 year LIDiversary. We are celebrating by looking adoringly at our referral picture of our daughter...oh wait, that's what I WISH we were doing. How are we really celebrating? Today Shawn went to his doctor to get his medical updated for our homestudy update and I'm doing laundry. I know people will tell me that this does bring us closer to our daughter, the fact of the matter is if we get a referral in the next 3 years it will be nothing less than a miracle. To prove it, we woke up to this:

At the rate the CCAA is going (approximately 1 week per month) it will take 51 months to get to us. That's another 4 years just to get kid #1. Don't get me wrong, I am very happy for everyone that got a referral this month. I just wish this elusive speed up would happen already. Realistically, I was hoping to at least be OUT of the review room at this point but we're not even IN the review room. *sigh*

On a sweet note, I have to admit, I've got one heck of a guy to be sharing this with. Shawn came home tonight with one dozen roses, that's one rose for every month we've been waiting. I'm thinking of taking one of them and drying them. Does anybody know if there's something special that needs to be done to them?

The only good thing about this wait is getting to meet other waiting families. The friendships we've made are amazing. I'm so grateful for everyone we've met and have had the honour of getting to know this past year. Congratulations as well to Mark and Michelle who are off in warm, beautiful Australia. I couldn't imagine going through this without you both.

How NOT to make a sale

It's that time of year again, when I must buy a new dress for the office functions. When I weighed 100 pounds I enjoyed the experience, now that I weigh a bit (ok, a lot more) it's not such a fun experience.

Today, I went with Shawn to the mall to get some shopping done and to look for the dress. I went into one of my favourite stores hoping to find something appropriate. Shawn took his seat in The Husband Chair while I went to the dress section and started browsing. When I shop for any clothes, I usually wait until something jumps out at me so for the most part I like to be left alone. Well tonight, I was approached by a salesperson. This is what transpired:

Her: Are you looking for a dress?
Me: (inside voice: Why else would I be looking here?) outside voice: Yes.
Her: What size are you?
Me: (inside voice: None of your freaking business!) outside voice: The number, I'm not posting it here :)
Her: (pulling out a dress) Here's one in your size and it's a nice one because it hides everything.
Me: (inside voice: Go blow it out your ear.) outside voice: I don't really like velvet.
Her: Why not try it on anways?
Me: Ok.
Her: What about this one?
Me: (inside voice: No way am I going to wear a dress the same colour as baby poop.) outside voice: I don't have shoes that go with that colour.
Her: What about this one?
Me: (inside voice: Maybe if I was about 100 years old.) Not really what I'm looking for, but I'll try it.
Her: This one will be perfect!
Me: (inside voice: YIKES!) outside voice: It's out of my price range.
Her: What?
Me: It's out of my price range.
Her: I don't understand.
Me: (inside voice: Oh boy.) outside voice: It's too much money.
Her: How about this one?
Me: (inside voice: Maybe if I was a hooker.) Outside voice: I don't think so.
Her: Ok, I'll put these two in the dressing room.

So I tried both of the dresses and both of them stayed in the store. The search continues.

Look at my Mac! **Update**

Look at what my Mac can do...






Don't I look purdy?

And take a look at my husband...he's just so dreamy!



Now there are others out there that have similar pictures...I dare you to post them.

**UPDATE** Since I was given permission...

My New Toy

My laptop died this week. Actually, the monitor kinda half snapped off the bottom part. The hard drive is still there so I haven't lost anything this time but Shawn decided that it was time to update and upgrade. I rely on him and his expertise because I know nothing of these things. I've always been a PC kinda gal because that's all I've ever used. Well guess what he came home with? A MacBook. I've used a Mac all of 3 times in my life. I stay away from them because they scare me. There's no right mouse button, their buttons are on the left instead of right for their web browser, there are a whole bunch of icons at the bottom and I have NO idea what they do. Shawn said he will partition the hard drive so I can go into PC mode when I need to but I'm realizing very quickly that I need some serious help. If I have a party, will someone who knows how to use a Mac come over and show me? I know there's at least one person out there who knows how this thing works (I would link to her blog but I don't even know how to do that with this!!)

HEEEELLLP!

How did this happen?

It seems like only yesterday the Toronto Maple Leafs were (un)ceremoniously booted out of the playoffs and now they're back for another excruciatingly painful season of disappointment. And guess who's there beside them living in his delusional world that they are going to win the coveted Stanley Cup this year? Yup, you guessed it, my husband. **sigh**

This is for Shawn, the ONLY person in the world I would do this for...long live the dream (or nightmare).

Drowsy no more

Sorry I haven't been around much lately. Like many others, I've been feeling a bit down and I don't want to contaminate anyone with my negative energy.

On a good note, last night Shawn and I went to see The Drowsy Chaperon in town last night. I HIGHLY recommend it, we laughed throughout the whole thing, it was one of the funniest shows I'd seen in a long time. It's not very long at all, for those of you that have a hard time sitting through a long show, about 1.5 hours. If you have a chance, go see it, I now know why it won the Tony award.

When Shawn and I got to the theatre, we noticed that there was an awful lot going on, more than usual. There were video cameras, photo cameras, people dressed up to the nines (which made us feel very under dressed) and we couldn't figure out what was going on. We finally asked one of the employees if there was something special going on. He told us that it was opening night. We had no clue! So that was kind of cool. An even cooler thing was that he was sitting behind us (think 24). What a great night.

Nickname tag

I've been tagged by Michelle to reveal our nicknames. So here it goes.

I've had people try to call me Dolly which I put an end to right away. Don't ever call me Dolly unless you want the ugly side of me to come out.

The nickname that has stuck with me since high school is D or Dee. Somehow even my colleagues at work found out about that one and call me by that periodically.

Shawn use to call me "Dear" until I asked him to stop. I use to have a manager that I couldn't stand who would call everyone dear. Every time he called me that it reminded me of this tyrant. Plus, I felt like I was 100 years old. Now it's sweetheart. I can deal with that.

My name in Spanish has quite a few nicknames. These include Loli and Lolita. My mom use to call me Loli, as did my brother, my uncle and any other family from Spain. I never liked it if they called me Dolores. Anybody else who spoke Spanish is not allowed to call me by that name. Only family. I know, it's bizzare, but so am I. The Spanish speaking family isn't allowed to call me Dolores unless they are talking to me in English. Once again, bizzare, I know.

Shawn goes by many nicknames, many of which I don't care to repeat. These of course are from his guy friends. Some have called him Server Boy, due to the nature of his job. I usually call him Sweetheart when I'm not mad at him.

So now I tag Lisa, Nicole and Doris.

Happy Friday!

At least it is for me. I decided the best way to avoid a bad day at work and end my two week streak of bad days, is not go so I took tomorrow off so today is my Friday.

Earlier this week my PC went crazy on me. It kept saying a file was missing and needed to be rebooted with the disc. So I called my own personal Geek Squad aka, Shawn. He took one look at it and said, "Uh oh". That does not sound good to me, the layperson. Basically, my laptop was on the verge of dying. It was touch and go for a while, we weren't sure if Shawn was going to be able to save it. In the end Dr. Shawn was able to resuscitate the laptop but all my data was gone. Everything, all my documents, pictures, music. Pictures wasn't too much of an issue since we have all that backed up on a separate hard disc drive. As for documents, well, nothing too important, only things like our wills, my resume etc. Nothing that really important. I think I need a new laptop.

Mental note to self: Your computer sucks, back up everything!

Seven years...

...and still going strong. Seven years ago today, Shawn and I stood under the chuppah and were married. I am very lucky to have found this wonderful man with whom I share my life with. Shawn is my best friend, my soulmate, my rock and my tech support :). I can't imagine what my life would be like without him.

My wonderful husband sent me these beautiful flowers today, it was a treat to receive them at work.



I created this montage of some more recent pictures, although I did put in a couple from our wedding.




While we were away, we decided to mark our seventh anniversary by renewing our vows. It was a very solemn and sacred moment. We had it recorded so we could share it with all our family and friends that weren't able to be there with us. I hope you all enjoy it as much we did. (Can you guess where we went? If not, wait til the next post).