photos - as promised :)

Meringue

I've never made these before... or if I have - can't remember the last time (truth be told I kind of think I did make these ages ago and totally messed them out... this was not the case tonight - as you will see)

Here I am - all ready to cook it up! With my fantastic and favourite apron (nice nose, good legs, great body - wine glass on it) - love it!

Ok and then....

Frothy stage 

Getting there...

Time for more sugar

Then beat the crap out of it :) and add vanilla

And voila - finished!

3 egg whites (frothy)

1/4 tsp cream tartar (getting there)

3/4 cup sugar (beat the crap out of it)

Then you add a 1/4 tsp of vanilla

And it will be stiff 

Then you put it in a icing bag and pipe it on sheets (last photo)

And you bake it for 45 minutes at 200 and then turn it and then another 45 minutes at 200

Then turn off the heat, open the door and let it sit in the oven - and it can just sit there for an hour or over night - we took them out after about three hours and holy - they were wicked good!

Ok - and a few more photos...

Pretty flower

My hooters

You laughed - it is funny.

I cut my hand.. this is me pouting via blog - if you can't see it - that's ok - it is so small that I can't believe I took a photo of it - but I'm sharing just the same

Alright my loves - I'm calling it a night - ooxx 

best find of the day

This is the book I found today. I've been looking for a copy for years. (Fairies by Lee and Froud)

I won a Speech Contest in grade 7 and I received a gift certificate to Carryall books - I bought a journal that was illustrated by Lee and Froud and I've searched for a copy of the journal every since... the journal got me through some difficult times and I loved the illustrations - the illustrations took me away and I've loved them every since.  Today I got a copy of the book and continue to look for the journal.  I burned the old one - thought that would help - it didn't - now I just wish I had all those words.

sigh - what a day!

anyways - love to you - hope your weekend is fantastic - xxoo - ok one more, cause you look like you could use one :)  x

ps. the camera came out with us today - so I will have new photos tonight - hooray - hooray :)  ok- so I'm the only one excited... 

Friday night

What's that, pent up energy.. what.. lurking...

Must be time for some drumming...

and off we go :)

xxoo

(update - hit it like a rock star - hells ya! - I heart rock band - yes, I'm super lame... and you love it - that's why you are reading this right now )

doors

love doors

good night my loves xxoo

head space

Yup... Hawaii... 

I don't really have words to describe how this last photo makes me feel - so I will leave you with this tonight... 


It was as if time stood still and the colours of the sky and on the earth transformed every part of me. I close my eyes and let this moment fill me with the joy that kissed me while the sun rose.


xxoo

star date 22082011

So I'm getting ready for bed and I can hear people being shouty on the street.  A little bit more than shouty but it is pouring (another day of that good old Cariboo summer we've been having) and then the fight is brought to my house and someone is slammed against my front door.  Land speed records were set in my living room as I bolted to the phone and thought for a split second about calling the non-emergency line and then call 911... at the same time I flick on all the lights and can not see anyone - then I see a guy in dark clothes, moustache - he actually looked like my uncle (it wasn't him) and he sees me and walks up the street - not running - walks... then I'm on the horn with 911 and going through the details and I'm a little bit (lot) panicky and as we are talking another guy runs by in a different direction.

This sucks.

And now... sleep will be elusive.

Damn it!

Damn assholes!  

Expectations

Kyle asked to spend the night at Grandma and Grandpa's place on Friday night and they agreed.

They fished up a storm and also went ATV riding and picked enough wild raspberries to make jam.

Now, as you may recall, I'm not a fan of using the pressure cooker.  So I took my gear to my parents house so we could make treats for the winter together.  

I expected to make:

 Salsa - medium (too spicy for my mom - by a long shot - but Dad and I liked it.

 We made terrific antipasto! Can't wait to open these babies up!

We didn't expect to see this beautiful cow moose.  She was standing in a swamp on the side of the road and I got out to take a few pictures... should have had my tripod though as the light was too low.

I expected to see my parents lovely flowers and garden.. love these daisies - they open and close with the light!  Beautiful!

I didn't expect to change a tire. You see, as I pulled over to look at the moose, I took a look at the tires and there was a flat.  I pulled over and in changed it.  When I finished Kyle remarked that he couldn't believe it took me an hour to change the tire... it was actually 20 minutes... so I thought I'd done a good job.

I actually don't mind changing tires... it takes me back to university when Carmen and I and our roommate Pam had a flat near the hospital and that because I was sitting on the cold ground I was going to get a cold.. down there :)  And then I got a flat with the guys when Andy worked in Wells just a few years ago.... glad my dad taught me how to change tires... and I'm also glad that it was still light out - really don't like changing them in the dark.

xxoo

Driving safari on the Nazko highway... 3 buck (deer), 2 does (deer), 1 moose, 1 mouse


And congrats to Ryan, our hero and ultra elite athlete!  You accomplished your goals!  Can't wait to hear the story of the race.

Follow Ryan

So you can follow Ryan on his run - isn't technology amazing


http://www.leadvilleraceseries.com/page/show/363457-tracking


His # is 466.


He is past the 6th check point - completed more than 17 hours of running - amazing!


17 hours...


(first runner to complete ... Ryan Sandes wins the Leadville Trail 100 Run with a time of 16:46:54 - holy crap! F-A-S-T)

HE DID IT !!!!!!!!

so I made a couple of cookies

About 15 dozen... ish

please... please

Someone is looking at our house for a second time this weekend.. please, please sell!

Send good thoughts - please and thank you :)

xxxoooxxxooo

friday

Well I took yesterday and today off and have been hanging at home with the guys. We re-decorated/re-organized and the guys now have a play room and shared large bedroom - I wish I'd done this sooner as they love it and now they know what toys they have.  We purged a lot of toys and I wish I had friends in town that I could share them with - I'm thinking we will donate most of them to Sally Ann :)

We retained all of the Rescue Hero stuff because they are cool and then army dudes and star wars stuff - then lots of books, but we are getting rid of a bunch of books too...

I had a few doctors appointments today and another next week so that was fantastic.  Given my girlie issues plus anxiety - well it just sucks right now - sigh. This too will pass.

What's on for plans today?  Well we made rice krispies and we are going to make flourless monster cookies and, pending my mom's arrival, make sweet pickles.  Then with any luck I'm going to make antipasto this weekend and also need to make jam... but we'll see how things go. Oh and if summer decides to make a return we will do more of this...

Go Ryan Go!

LT Leadville Colorado
Where Attitude meets Altitude

At 3am this Saturday August 20 our friend, Ryan (over at Trail Tripper in the right hand column), is heading out to complete the 100 MILE (160 km) race.  Participants have 30 hours to complete the challenge.

I just wanted to post how proud we are of him and wish him every success as he climbs mountains, through the sun and/or rain, in the dark, as the sunrises and sunsets.  We are thinking about you and wish we could have planned our summer better to be part of your crew... maybe we can crew up for another one of your races.

xxoo

tea

Tonight I'm enjoying a cup of 'forever nuts' from David's Tea.  Fantastic! Absolutely my favourite.

We are enjoying a quiet week here with four days off at the end of this week.  My version of summer vacations. I know, I'm lame.  We are planning a trip for December; so I'm saving up.

I had my ass handed to me in grammar last week and I can't believe how many things I've let slide in my writing.  I'm definitely a dash user. I love them.  They are my commas and my extras, but apparently in the land of English, they make zero sense.  So I'm going to try my best to correct my use of the English language. Try.

I'm dealing with some girl health issues, again, and I've had a weird face/head ache most of the day, so I'm going to call it a night.  Love to you! xxoo

in memory

I get updates from Bakerella - a fantastic blogger and maker of cake pops!  Tonight she posted a link to another blogger who recently lost her husband.  She asked that readers make the recipe (Creamy Peanut Butter Pie).  


Read the recipe and her heart wrenching post here - In Jennie's Kitchen


Whether you decide to make the pie or not - there was something very valuable in her post... She wrote.. once you've made the pie to - "Then hug them like there's no tomorrow because today is the only guarantee we can count on."  


Whether you make the pie or make someone toast - we all need to remember what we have.


xxoo

bye

And so my sister, Nicholas and her boyfriend have departed for the rest of their trip and our house is once again just us.  We totally miss them - the boys were very sad to not come home to them tonight.  I think Michael thought they were moving in.

The sky is not being helpful here - clouds keep rolling through.  I'm going to give it a little more time and then call it a night.

love to you!
xxoo

Tonight

Here we go - once again - tonight is the night to get outside and see the stars - Perseids is upon us.
Get out there tonight to see a great show - the moon is nearly full so that will over shadow (rather lighten) things... but it will be worth your time...

This goes on for a few days - so if you can't go tonight - try tomorrow night - it really gets going then and dies out over the weekend...

xxoo

And yes - more baby photos soon!

more sunshine - amen!

Kyle with his extra cute cousin, Nicholas! Love having them here!

And these are turkey cupcakes.. turkey meatball with a piece of turkey bacon on top - that was cooked in a cupcake wrapper in the oven - then once it was done I piped mashed potatoes on top - woohoo!

We went back to the creek tonight and played around a bit and had a nice walk to the footbridge.

The weather is amazing and we are just really enjoying our summer nights. 

xxoo!

the blahs

And because I'm feeling pretty blah tonight with a side of throw-uppy.. I decided to explore more of Carmen's pinterest groups and I now love a new website - Animi Causa Boutique

This has the neatest, funniest stuff... sooo many things that I like!  So many things that I'm trying to figure out how to bring them to my home... plus things that just totally makes me want to open a store and sell this stuff.  A few cool things - sure, I'll share :)

Yes, you can totally change this chair to a new form... amazing...

Ok - it is tooootttaaalllyyyyy tooo much (nearly $5K) but it is cool

A tea steeper - extra cool!

This also costs a fortune.. but I think pinterest is about dreaming and since I'm not feeling great tonight I'm going big on the dreaming :)

I heart this tree!

baking

From joythebaker.com

One of my favourite bloggers, Carmen, showcased her favourite stuff from pinterest recently.  Andy and I were looking at the blog post and both agreed the above recipe was worth trying based on the photo...

Joy does a great job of explaining the recipe and showcasing information.. but being in central BC versus cooking in Los Angeles (where she hails from) created some differences in the baking process - or I'm hoping that was what caused the issues.

Baking notes...
1. Joy is a real baker - I am not
2. She makes very funny comments in her recipe advising you to not worry - you are doing it right - I definitely had fear in adding sooo much sugar and if I make it again I'll add less - it was good the way she has it but in my oven it exploded over the top and caused a big mess
3. When my dough proofed it made it considerably thicker dough, even when rolled out to the specifications that Joy notes - which meant that I probably could have proofed two smaller loafs
4. Her photos are pretty and make the loaf look small and delicate - my loaf was giant - some pieces were giant, some didn't grow as much - so I ended up with a yummy, oddly shaped loaf - looks meant nothing - it was devoured in a day and half (we have company)
5. I used skim milk instead of whole milk and yes - it still remained yummy
6. Making cinnamon bread this way meant that you also didn't have to eat a whole cinnamon bun and could just have a piece - but good luck only having one piece as it is yummy
7. Read, read, read the instructions - I was totally going to complain about one piece of the recipe and when I re-read it found that I was in the wrong... note to everyone - let this thing rest in the loaf pan as noted - I removed it very quickly and have a something between a 2nd and 3rd degree burn on my thumb from it - the sugary yummy goodness is molten lava when it comes out of the oven and caused an immediate blister and is now a permanent crater on my thumb - dumb (here is where I was going to insert a photo but I won't.. it is gross and I'm stupid)
8. Time - the recipe says 30-35 minutes - mine took nearly an hour to bake at 350 - I wouldn't suggest increasing the temperature, just to have patience and monitor the baking process so you don't burn it, but also get the centre cooked

Joy's fantastic recipe...
http://www.joythebaker.com/blog/2011/03/cinnamon-sugar-pull-apart-bread/

our creek

Beautiful, fantastic summer is finally here and tonight (after Kyle smashed a light in our living room and I finished sweeping, vacuuming and moving and re-sweeping and vacuuming) we took a walk.  Baker Creek is right next to our house and we walked down the creek and then on the trail and then back in the creek.  We found lots of fish and just cooled off - it was very nice! On the disappointing front - some people think that our creeks, rivers, water places are dumping grounds.  We need to take care of our planet and the water that is here - so please - stop throwing your garbage in it!  We picked up bottles, and plastic bags tonight - we could have picked up many garbages worth of crap... and if we had gloves we'd probably have picked up more... but for tonight we picked up a little and then played.

Anyways - fantastic overall and a great place to cool off and enjoy!  

hooray

A cute little baby is coming to our house tomorrow! We can't wait!

In other news... summer arrived - we've actually had a few days of sunshine.

berry picking

People - when you are out berry picking - look around at where you are picking.  While the berries may look good and ripe and yummy - if they are within reach of recent herbicide use (signs posted), and our pulp mill and our garbage dump - it might be a good time to pick somewhere else... great spots at Sugar Loaf.

This was taken on our recent berry picking adventure - picked 2 1/2 cups of saskatoons - hoping to go again this weekend - hoping to get a few cups so I can make jam. :)

bc day

The sun came out today - hooray!  All day - there was no rain - none... shocking!

So today we weeded, played basketball, cleaned house, showed the house - found a leak (not awesome), watched some cartoons, nearly pulled my pinky nail off, painted, and made brownies.

In fact tonight for dessert I made the guys an ice cream sandwich brownie sundae... cut up one ice cream sandwich to share between them and then crumbled some of the warm brownie on top - then threw a couple strawberries on top... easy!

Back to work tomorrow - super hectic week, but that's ok - I got three days to rest! Amen to that!
Ok - now one more coat of paint before bed... :)

xxoo

long weekend

Alright my fancy friends - first - happy long weekend!  Amen to an extra day off!

We are just hanging around town this weekend - no official plans... no travel, no traffic, hopefully few stupid people :)

In other news... I've been seeing a massage therapist and she has totally helped my shoulder and jaw - it has been fantastic!

Yesterday morning we went for a run/bike with the kids - it was great - hit it before the rain came back.  4.6km and we ran (guys biked) pretty much the whole thing.  I know this doesn't sound far but it is the first long run that I've done since the race in May.  I haven't really done any running (very little) since May - just been focused on training in the gym.

And now - another day of non-work - hooray!  And six days until Mel and my super cute nephew arrive! HOORAY!

Peace

Peace is a paint can

just sayin'

xxoo

the day

So I mowed the lawn at our house, went to a friends house that we are house sitting for and painted one of their rooms - well painted the first colour - I'm going to let it dry and then work on the next colour in a day or two.. they aren't home until the 2nd so I've got a few more days to finish.  (yes... they know I'm painting - they bought the paint and all the gear... )

Then I tried to go to one of my favorite stores but they were closed early today - booooo - so I went to another store and found what I was looking for; for a necklace holder.  And now I'm going to load up the lawnmower and go do the other yard...

Nice that while it isn't blazing hot or super sunny it isn't raining... so that has been great!

nazko weekend

The boys went on a weekend escape to Grandma and Grandpa's house.  Yesterday we took that chance to go to PG and just walk around and look at stuff.  We didn't really get anything, but had a nice day out. We did go to the casino - something we never do - and gave the government a small donation - casino's have changed so much - all the computer technology made it boring for us... so likely our last visit for another long time... plus I give the government enough money and why on earth should I give them more when I see so many programs getting little funding, but pet projects getting support (end rant).

I'm going to go mow the lawn and do some other things as I've got a weekend day all to myself.

On another note - I need to just say thank you to Andy - he finished the stairs on Friday while I was at work and well.. they are beautiful and I'm very happy it is finished - very, very! :)

We bought curtains for our bedroom and I modified and hemmed them last night - one side is installed and totally kept the sun out this morning and the other side is missing one bracket and then it will be complete - hopefully tonight...

xxoo

enjoy the sun

baby makena

So here are the boys with Makena and Aunti Paula!

Update on Michael - he is better tonight and asked to go biking - we decided to take one more day off of cycling so he doesn't tear his knee open again - but it looks better and is just bruising and he is busy being himself and not favoring it... soo hooray for that!

I went to see my doctor about my shoulder today and he kind of laughed at me because my shoulder is in such a state - he offered a shot to take away the pain that he immediately knew I wasn't going to take it... but then I laughed that I'd be back later in the week probably begging for it - I hope that isn't the case... but we'll see.  He says I've got bicep tendinitis and that my trapeze is in rough shape.  Bicep is a take it is easy solution and no heavy lifting - lowering my weight for weight training to no more than 5 lbs and just take it easy and then massage for my 'trap' - which I have again tomorrow. But man - massage kicks the shit out of me.  I couldn't believe how sore I was from massage... but it did help, two days later... it was packing Michael home that set me up for more pain today.

xxoo :)

love ya!

sigh

So we decided to go on the river front trail for a bike ride - I was running behind because there was a straight stretch and the guys took off in front.  Then this moron comes around the corner and honks at the kids.  They are on the path - and I think he was honking just to be funny... but it was not funny. They both thought they were going to get hit by a car and Kyle stops and Michael tries to stop and then gets thrown off his bike over the handle bars and on to Kyle's bike and onto the ground.  The guy sees this all happening and drives off.  ASSHOLE!  Then he stops up at the next corner and gets his fishing stuff out and proceeds to look at his car and while you can plainly hear Michael crying he just carries on... rrrrr...  anyway -I catch up and while he didn't need stitches his knee is torn up and very swollen.  Can he walk... hell no - and we are about .8 of km from home... wicked... so now I have to pack him back to the house (because of course I didn't bring my cell phone - wouldn't have done much good - had no one to call - Andy was at work) what's worse is that I tore something in my shoulder four days ago and packing him - while I did it in the moment now hurts a lot... a lot a lot... anyways - I manage to carry him and drag the bike home and then call Andy to complain and one of his co-workers over hears the whole thing and decides to come over and see us - so while Andy headed to PG for another call, the Quesnel day crew came to the rescue.  They cleaned Michael up and put a nice big bandaid on his leg - wrapping him and advising him to eat ice cream and read comics for the rest of the day.

Alright... now to have some more tylenol for my shoulder and hang around the house...
blah

and a couple of photos

books

I definitely watch food network but can't say that I've seen very many shows with Tyler Florence in them.  Maybe I just don't catch it at the right time of day.  We recently bought two cookbooks - one by Tyler Florence and one by Guy Fieri.  I haven't spent much time looking at Guy's book, but really enjoy Tyler's.  The book is called "Start Fresh" and most of the book has baby food and purees, but there are some great take away tips and the purees can be used as sides and blended with other things.  The book is laid out in an easy to understand way - intuitive even - and I'm really happy we bought it.

Tonight I'm making vegetable chips (from the book) and plan to make BBQ turkey meatloaf (minus the bacon), with mashed frosting - it is a fun idea for feeding kids, and turkey meatball stroganoff - that is the meal plan for this week - or part of it.  We are venturing into a new era of eating in our house - we've been endeavouring to eat healthier for a while, but we've really picked up our socks on this and have some plans for being health and fit (more than we are now) for later this year.

xxoo

Makena

Lucky us, Makena made an early appearance so we got to visit this morning before we left the Lower Mainland.  She is sooo little.. our boys were never that small.  She was pretty sleepy during our visit - so we had some breakfast and hit the road.  Paula looks fantastic and I can't wait to see and hear more about their family :)

Breaking the trip up by visiting Paula, Dean and Makena actually seemed to make the day go by faster... we stopped for lunch at Emory gas station just outside of Hope which is definitely my new favorite place to stop - scenic, easy access, quiet...  my jaw has been awful today and it feels like I've pinched a nerve because my neck and shoulder are sore... this doesn't help the anxiety issues... blah - so this plagued me throughout the day.  I was definitely glad to get home.  Being gone two weekends in the row is not great.  We cleaned up when we got home, which was nice and then the guys went to bed late, but that's ok - it is summer vacation for them and they deserve some fun.

xxoo

Vancouver

This has been a busy trip to Vancouver... yesterday we went to the beach and the aquarium and wouldn't you know it - Vancouver was celebrating the 125th anniversary in Stanley Park - this actually made the aquarium slower than usually, especially for summer time and we got to see multiple shows and see lots of fish and creatures.  The aquarium (for those who haven't been recently) has a 4D feature now - so part of your admission includes a movie where things jump out at you and they spray you, and they poke you... Michael decided he'd rather get a drink and see some fish so we went and did that and then Andy and Kyle watched the show.  Kyle didn't really like it - too much for him - too scary - so maybe it is for older kids...

The beach was pretty good, until my stomach started acting up.  We went as far South as you can go in Delta - on the beach, near Point Roberts.

Today we went to some Richmond garage sales - Michael found some plastic nunchucks and Kyle found some books from the Magic Tree House series that he absolutely loves.  We also managed to get an old school table hockey set with all the old teams - it is quite the set - for free....

Then we went to Queen Elizabeth park to visit Bloedel Conservatory - awesome, as always.  Michael also decided to take a quick swim in the water fountain above the conservatory.  He got pretty banged up on his leg - not paying attention and running on the edge and splash. :)  All good - kids gotta be kids.

Tonight we've hung out with our niece, Justine, and tomorrow we are heading to meet Makena - Paula's brand new little bundle of joy - who decided to join us early... she arrived on July 8 - Kyle asked when Auntie Paula was picking up Makena - like it was a trip to Costco... pretty funny.

And that is all for tonight - other than - my anxiety has been terrible and I haven't been feeling very good and my jaw is BLAHBLAHBLAH... xxoo - good night and love you!

and back...

Tomorrow we hit the road to go see the boys and hang in Richmond for two days... or rather - rush around and try and do stuff for two days and then drive home... sigh...

Max goes to his new home in the morning and Jasmine seems to be doing better.  She was walking around the house (basement) - so we hope that she is improving - either way it is sad to see our long time pet not feel well.

And that's about it for tonight - I know - boring... hope to have more photos to share over the next few days

xxoo

Thursday

While today is not Thursday - Thursday will be a big day.  Max will be joining his new home on Thursday - turns out a friend of Kyle's grandparents were looking for a new little dog to travel with them and hang out in general - they really hit it off with him tonight.

What else... well of course because Max is heading for a new family, our oldest pet is not doing well.  Jasmine is our oldest cat - she took up roost in our downstairs bathroom on the bath mat a day or so again.  She isn't really moving much.  Tonight I went and sat with her for a while - she is purring and fine with just sitting there - she did finally get up on her own and move, but she is wobbly - it is awful.  She is sitting in the living room downstairs tonight and I guess we will see how it goes.  She is 13 years old and has been a fantastic cat!

Anyways - the boys are still on vacation - we go to see them on Thursday and it sounds like they are having an ok time... and now - off to bed early since I only squeaked in three hours of sleep last night - decided that a panic attack was more up my alley last night - for five cents :)  xxoo

one more thing

And what I forgot to write about my trip is the creepy part... today I saw my first black widow spider - I've seen them in books but never alive in nature... it has creeped me out all day - every time I think of it I get shivers... awful.. I'd post a photo but I don't want to scare the crap out of all of you too ;)

xxoo

jul 2

This morning I hit the road to do a photo shoot in Lillooet and then drove home.  The boys are staying with their grandparents for a few days - we go back to pick them up next weekend.

It was plus 33 in Lillooet today - beautiful - sounds hot - and it was - but it was also great to be in a place that has summer.  The wind blows down the river and it cools the place off.  I got a tour of Xwisten - a First Nations guided tour - it was really good!  I didn't really know what to expect as I came to take photos and didn't think I was going to get the show they put on.. just for me to take photos.  The guide took me on a three hour tour including showing me how they hang salmon to dry in the wind - they don't smoke it - it dries in the high winds trapped in the canyon.   If you are looking for an authentic first nations experience - well it is great... and I got to take photos - so really - it was a great day... minus nine hours of driving :)

And that's about it.  Oh and Groundhog Day is on and it is just as funny as it always is! Hooray!

Happy Canada Day!

Wow - the City of Richmond knows how to put on a Canada Day party.  There are a couple of stages with performances, lots of activities, a 90 minute parade, men in kilts :) and line ups... phew - hour long line ups!  All good.  Happy Canada Day!

Fire man Kyle

Circus monkey Kyle

CN Rail bridge fire

There was a good deal of smoke leaving Boston Bar today, so we pulled over to look and then decided to drive a little further down the highway - then we climbed up on an edge on got these shots of the bridge fire - this was about 4pm this afternoon.

Hey, what's that? Looks like a Michael fish in the lake :)

Yep - we had fun today!

crack-o-lacking rant!

Today was the last day of school. I wish that I was having a summer vacation for two months - this much I know.  Rather than being excited about the weeks ahead I'm now looking at a report card that I just have to rant about.

First - I appreciate that all teachers are SOOOOO not the same and that we are dealing with a special situation - I actually watched other teachers give our teacher shit during assembly today because she couldn't be bothered to give out awards in every category... frustrating and sad!

In any case - here I go...

What is the point of a report card if it is received on the last day of school?  When there are comments about things that are issues doesn't that warrant a phone call home, or a note home, or a freakin' text?

I'll preface this by saying that I've had a complete and total shit day and this has just been stacked right on the steaming top of it all... so I'm mad and a freakin' anxious wreck!  But seriously... if something needs work - then let's work together - let's be a team in education - I'm not an asshole (to everyone) - I am understanding (mostly) and I want the best for my kids - the absolutely best - but when I can blatantly see that there was definitely a class favorite and that 12 other students got nothing - I just have to shake my head and write these kinds of rants because talking to this teacher has done nothing.  We specifically said we were open to talking and hoped to hear more about education and opportunities for us to engage - we want to be part of this and we get NOTHING!  Has the education system changed that much in 20 years that my education and the time and love given by my teachers and principals is gone?

And now I'm going to finish cooking dinner, drink some wine and cry.  I've wanted to breakdown all day and it is now time to get on with the falling apart.

xxoo

ps. I heart good smart fun teachers - where are they all hiding? Please let our grade four teacher be that... please

driving

Ok - I'm going to complain... here it comes...

First, stupid summer time drivers who aren't paying attention - PAY ATTENTION - today while I had a beautiful pregnant lady in my passenger side seat you nearly and I mean really really nearly hit the passenger - I can't even believe how close it was.  LOOK before you start backing up into traffic.

Second, I think it is time to put the ban on smoking in cars.  This has nothing to do with health considerations - NOTHING - this is about paying attention to the road.  If you can't have a hand on your cell phone and talk how can you light a smoke, and smoke, and butt out while you drive - WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE! I don't see one.  Oh wait - I do... you can't get taxes from a cell phone - the government can't tax the crap out of the use of cell phones, but cigarettes - hell's yes - tax the ever-loving crap out of it.  And that is where safety trumps the bottom line - and our public safety loses next to something that is killing the people that use it and the people stand in the way of the people that use it - bull shit, all the way around.

End vent!

Wait - if you flick one more of the GD'n death sticks at my freakin' car I'm going to hit your car because - seriously - what the hell is wrong with you! STUPID!

can't sleep

That's all... 

I know - how boring... 

point of interest - a small tornado ripped through downtown two days ago - I watched it run through a parking lot and then turn over in the safeway parking lot and tear all of the garbage out of the back of a truck and throw it all over the lot and at people - and then keep running towards the river.  It was taller than the buildings and then dissipated as it run to the edge of the downtown and over the bank to the river.

Weird.

 

garage sale

This weekend we are clearing out the house and getting rid of stuff - this is long overdue - we wanted to last summer but never got to it... so this summer - it is on...

what else...

Well I still have the blahs...  and frankly, nothing fantastic to share - except a few photos

Lily of the Valley - yep, my favorite

Grandpa and the boys puddle hunting!

This photo is a few months old - 

Kyle was writing out Star Wars characters... good old Hungg Solo :)

nose bleeds, life and summer vacation

At this point I wish I had booked significantly more time off at the start of summer.  I need a vacation.  That said - the boys are heading on vacation.  I'm taking them to Vancouver next Thursday and then we are hitting the Canada Day events in Richmond and then I'm driving home on Saturday.  The boys are staying with Ni ni and Ye ye and living it up for a few days.  Then Andy and I are heading to Van the following Thursday to pick them up and spend a day in Vancouver and head home.  I think we'll probably take some more time off in August and go out again... we'll see - if (when) the house sells then I'll feel a lot better about travelling.  (Please send your positive energy towards this cause - I need that house to sell - need it - need it!)

Nose bleeds - I had a whopper tonight - I'm tired lately - and just not feeling great - lost my get up and go... seems like I've just been off since the "race" in May... I went for a bike ride this weekend - did 10 km - and couldn't believe how bad is screwed up my knee - three days of it being swollen - awful!

And now I'm going to call it an early night for me and try to get some extra sleep... xxoo - love to you!

Things I like on Etsy

West Virginia Glass Co.
Aqua Blue with Gold Band
$24.99 USD

Custom Wedding Anniversary Necklace Brass and Copper Plated
This could really be for anything or anyone - doesn't have to be wedding
Made in Raleigh NC, USA - and she has a great little blog/website, www.riskybeads.com
(plus I thought this was funny... I mean really - s & m since 2010 - love it - lol)

POW signs, Colorado Springs
I was thinking I could use for all the times I need to do some ass-kicking - I could simply walk into a meeting with this tacked on and everyone would know that I meant business :)

a rant

Ok - since our province - if not our nation - has seen the power of social media and that it is very apparent that people shouldn't do bad things I would like to ask a question - why can't this translate to the every day?

Why am I pissed?

Well tonight two little shits walked by our driveway and lit all the cottonwood fluff on fire - I ripped my deck door open and yelled at them - and then chased after them down the street - trying to get their photo to report to the police.

One girl - white skirt - 16-18 years old 5'6 - black top, male - same age, height - white shirt, black shorts with red stripe!  I didn't get a clear photo of them - and proceeded to call the non-emergency hotline and got freakin' voice mail and that I could leave a freakin' message - WHAT!  I'm not going to call 911 over this kind of shit - but what it says to me - is there is a large group of the population that just doesn't give a shit about anything and it doesn't matter that they were seen at the riot because they'd do it again because in one of their friends eyes they are a "hero".  It is ridiculous!

Let's start a movement to stop this ridiculous behavior!  What can we do?  I'm tired of my lawn getting set on fire - one day it will catch and run right to the house or my car and cause all kinds of damage - two years ago it nearly lit a field on fire - it was awful!  Poor behavior in general needs to be stopped!  If I see them pass by the house again - and I know they will - they walk by all the time - I'm going to take their photo with my big lens - then I'm going to post it online - is that the only way to stop people - if it even does stop people...

FRUSTRATED!!!!!!!


Sigh*

Ok - on top of that my sinus is completely plugged from all the stupid cotton fluff and I'm just not feeling great! BLAH

FRUSTRATED


Ok - I'll go away for a while - looking forward to hearing your thoughts.

What do you think of me posting photos on facebook of all the drug dealers that frequent the back house - that traffic is doubling - it is TERRIBLE too!  TIRED, MAD, ROAR!

email

Why do I let email bug me sooo much? ROAR!
Just got another super annoying email from one of my "favorite" people and just have to shake my head... I deleted it just so I don't have to look at it because the continual review of it is awful and doesn't help anything...

Why do things bug me ages.. I can pinpoint things that bug me and are red button that are many many years old... why pack around the luggage - maybe if I learn how to let things go more positive things will come my way...

Anyone have any pointers or books they'd suggest on the plague of packing around old mind junk?

xxoo - love you!

Max

And so tonight we made the decision that Max needed a new home soon and final.  It has been so tough - while we've had a tough time with him and there have been huge issues we kept putting up with it and have adjusted our lives to try and make his better... but it isn't working... tonight he bit Kyle because Kyle was picking up a toy - on top of that - he chewed through our screen door, destroyed the garbage again, and on and on and on - so we are trying to find him a new home.  Michael is sad, but I know this is the best decision for all of us - Max needs a family with time.. it is awful... but it is better than lying about it and telling the kids that he died or ran away... or anything else...

sigh

So if you know anyone - seriously - we hope to find him a new home by the weekend - I'm willing to travel with him - and drop him off in Vancouver if anyone down there can offer him a great home - I'm going to 100 Mile this weekend and Vancouver at the end of the month...

puddles

Tonight on my walk with Max I had to gear up with my cute rain coat from Old Navy - I love it - but hardly wear it - it is pouring outside though - so I (at 10:45pm) head outside for our walk with an umbrella - I know - it really really was raining and I get to our first spot for wandering by Max and up comes a car - now are street is a dead end and no one usually goes past our house - certainly not at 10:45 at night - and it is the cops - he slowly comes up to me - like I was going to join on the hood or something and says...

"are you walking your dog?"

um... actually this is my pet bear, I know, he looks really small - but really he is a bear - he is also a trash compactor and a destroyer of valuables....

I kind of laugh and say - yes - and off he goes.

Turns out the new quiet neighbours aren't really that quiet - two nights ago they had a battle royale in the back of the house which I heard parts of while I gardened - and now - two cop cars are in their drive way... wicked!

The action never ends around here.

loves... I totally love the "extreme makeover weight loss edition"  - FANTASTIC - I can watch a whole season of biggest loser in one night - and feel some kind of positive motivation at the end of it for healthier living - great job, ABC. :)

And now off to bed... LOVE falling asleep to the sound of rain! LOVE LOVE LOVE it!

Likes - oh wait - and some dislikes...

I upgraded my cell phone last week and found out what it was like to go through re-loading and dealing with terrible email problems... and now it works and tonight I found something on it that makes my day... you see I was having to re-enter my calendar from my office to my online calendar to my phone.. and then there was duplication and issues... and now - fancy that - I can sync my phone... hooray!

And... Patrick Swayze in Too Wong Foo - he made a beautiful woman and I miss him!

I hate the drug house! HATE - HATE - HATE!!!!!

what's going on

I know - I haven't written in the month of June - terrible!

Well I've been swamped and attended a conference and on and on...  long days.

The boys are well - getting taller by the day, it seems.
Our summer Saturdays are back to what they usually are - this means that we hit a bunch of garage sales we see what kind of stuff we can find - we are having our own garage sale in two weekends - woohoo!  Today we found some great storage units, which we needed for the basement and a GT snow racer for this winter. Then we have lunch out and then play and have fun in the afternoon.

Our house is going up with a realtor on Monday - hooray - so we are doing a yard clean up tomorrow morning (bought some hanging baskets and plants to freshen up the yard) and then heading out to my parents for dinner.  I got the "we'll be there on Friday night" and never show up - I'm smart enough (now) to realize that this means they won't show up and not to build plans around them...

Vent - when you work at a restaurant and you serve food/make food - wash your hands! While it is fine for you to "wash" (run them under water quickly) between different orders or different exchanges in your job - it is not ok that your hands look like you've been working in the garden in the morning, started to work on the truck and then remembered that you needed to be at work and just up and went to work - throwing on your clothes and then preparing food... yuck!