Life in a Photograph

6 months and 6 really good things

2009-06-06T21:40:00.000-07:00

.1. A cool and dark day after so many days of brilliant sun

.2. Remembering that dreams only stay dreams if you let them

.3. Doubt. Introspection. Looking for truth. Finding nothing. Then realizing that searching in all the wrong places will find all the wrong answers

.4. Growing and enjoying ones favorite tea with honey, maybe even a few strawberries on the side

.5. Only 3 more months of treatment left

.6. Finding solace in silence, enjoying no restrictions in it

Happy December!

2008-12-02T14:45:00.001-08:00

Only 23 days till Christmas, very exciting I know, but lets recap November due to my blog-slackage!

The list of pre-req's for my soon-to-be job as a resident care worker is nearing it's end. I'm praying that this job is worth all the effort, if nothing else it'll be nice to work in an environment where my beliefs are encouraged instead of sneered upon. Not only did I get my drivers license, I also endured a needle; unfortunately they had to stick it twice, it was terrible, especially considering my phobia. Thankfully everyone I've met has been very pleasant, and I've only heard very good things from people who work there! It's been nice having my soon to be sister in law (Eeeee <3 her) on the inside, letting me know what to expect and in general easing my nerves.

On my way to my drivers test

My creative side has been flourishing again, I've been reading, crocheting, painting, taking pictures, beading, and listening to lots of music! I wish that the library here was larger, but luckily I've been able to get almost every book ordered in that I've wanted to read (I'm currently reading Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert, and before that I was on Elizabeth by Alison Weir, both very good reads). A certain special friend of mine sent me an entire box of beautiful yarn, so I have had ample supplies to fuel my crocheting hands. I've finished all of the painting that needed to be done, and my favorite part is our bedroom! Photography has been on my mind constantly, from taking to enjoying others (Frank has a good eye). I'd love to get in deeper again one day, it was just a refreshing and fun thing to fill some of my time. Beads and music go well together, it's been interesting to see how my taste in beading has changed from when I was younger to present.

My beautiful wall lotus

We, (and by we I mean, my dad, the hubby, and myself) decided to rip out the flooring upstairs and start laying the new stuff before Christmas. Yes you read that right, before Christmas! The ripping out was the easiest part by far, learning how to place it all down and do all the cuts has proven quite difficult. After we ripped it all out we began work on the floor, oddly enough the squeaky culprit was none other than two measly nails. Once resolved, we added a few more screws all around, and whallaah, our base is ready to go. We have a one week deadline, otherwise we (the collective we I spoke about earlier) will be on my dear madres chopping block - we're holding off the decking of the halls so to speak.

Daddy and the hole in the floor

Daddy and Chris working on the new floor

I love Christmas, from people being generally nicer and the yummy food, to all the pretty decorations. It's more than all of that though, it's what all Christmas is centered on! I can't wait for the family to be together, it makes everything more special. I wish that the entire family could be together, but that'll have to wait till next Christmas (and there'll be a beautiful little addition there that I'm already excited to meet).

Near the river

Our suite is set up, and we're living quite comfortably now. We even have a piece of greenery, a voluptuous fern from some friends of the family. Hopefully I'll be adding a cutting from my grandma's peace lily, and a cutting from my mums philodendron. Though we're settled, once we both have jobs and I'm registered for school I'll be able to breathe a bit easier. Normalcy has always eluded me, and it will continue to I assume.

Busy Bee

2008-11-09T02:10:00.000-08:00

Good Morning!

It's just after 2am, and I'm still unable to fall asleep. Thankfully, I'm able to get plenty done in this time while sleep eludes me.

Earlier today, err I guess yesterday now, Jared and I fixed his car. You heard that right, I helped fix a car. To be honest I didn't do much, but I go a bit of dirt under my nails :). Be proud of me! I've also been getting paint in every pore of my body!

I'm slowly getting unpacked, though it's looking better and better after each box. I'm working on a wall collage of all our picture frames, and it's been a lot of fun to create! I can't wait to go through our pictures, and finally have them displayed properly, instead of sitting in a dark box in the closet. OoO, and the roll top desk looks great, I'm so glad that it didn't get damaged from the move.

I've been getting all nostalgic looking at all my grandparents things that I got after my grandparents passed. It's funny that the more my life progresses, the more I look back to them. They hold so much of what I claim as my identity today, and I'm proud to be their grandchild. I just wish that they could have seen me get married, and when I have kidlets of my own.

Now a few prayer requests if you will! I have a job interview on Monday, and I'm really praying that this is the place for me. Chris will be traveling from California back to Canada at the end of next week, just that he would have safe passage. For my sister, just that she will give everything up to God.

Wall Mural

2008-10-26T14:33:00.000-07:00

I am doing a mural wall in the bedroom, and I am taking my inspiration from this picture below. If anyone would like to contribute ideas - or a skillful hand, , I'm open for advice.

The walls are blue at the moment, and I want to do the detail in chocolate brown and accents with tan; maybe a few accents in a persimmon colour I have around also.

Lucky Wishes

2008-10-19T19:23:00.000-07:00

I need all the good thoughts, magic voodoo, prayers, in-thought-of-you candles, etc I can get. I have a job interview tomorrow - whether I get a job offer is all that stands between my husband and I.

On Tuesday it'll have been a month since I've seen him.

"Tears are the words the heart can't express"

Turkey Day

2008-10-12T14:43:00.001-07:00

Happy turkey day to my fellow Canadians!

Gobble gobble :)

Día de la Lluvia

2008-10-02T14:33:00.000-07:00

It has to be said, that the smell of rain before it falls is divine. I didn't realize I'd missed it so much until today.

On another note, I haven't quite found a job yet. I'll hopefully find something soon, I miss having mi amore around. I set the limit that if I haven't found something suitable at the end of this month then I'll start looking in the other less desirable areas I have experience in.

I have been thinking of what courses I'm wanting to take, and how I'll be able to coordinate working full time and doing schooling at the same time. I think I'll have to meet with an admissions/course counselor to make sure everything will work out. I'm looking at a BS in Computing Sciences, and eventually I'll go for my Masters. I figure I'll have to do everything slower, but oh well, schooling is schooling.

I've been painting up a storm since getting here, which has been quite fun. I'll post pictures of how good it looks once we have the furniture up. I also rejuvenated a pair of frames that mum bought awhile ago - now they're a sleek and sexy black, I can't wait to find some cute b/w photos to go in them.

Time for me to go to el mercado!

O'Canada

2008-09-25T08:11:00.000-07:00

I are home! 18 grueling hours later, I arrived in my little slice of paradise.

It's been really refreshing being here. I can't describe it other than a sigh of relief to be back. It's quite different from the last time I was here but it's still the same in a lot of ways.

Pray that I find work soon :)

Picture Update

2008-09-03T13:52:00.000-07:00

Home sweet Nomad

2008-09-02T14:42:00.000-07:00

We have moved 6 times in two yrs. A bit excessive no? The big shocker - due to the economy we're thinking about moving again. Where? Who knows, I sure don't. Nothing may change...another job, another boss, another soulless twittering away for someone whom doesn't even respect how much blood you pour into their company.

I'm emotionally over my previous employer - they truly didn't know what they had. Enough said.

So I'm looking for work in several different places, and kinda looking for housing in several different places. Sometimes I wish that things were a lot more laid out, and that I didn't have to think about it. But then again..there goes human nature and choice.

Whelp, I'm going up to the cabin and spend the day with little boy blue and a friend of his since Chris has to work. I'll be sure to take a few pictures of the lovely day we're having. Hurray for getting out of the house.

Goodnight Moon

2008-08-29T00:58:00.000-07:00

I don't have a job anymore.

I can't sleep, and I can't turn off my brain.

I hate what they did to me.

I've lost hope in human decency and trust.

A few tylenol pms should do the trick, lets hope.

Terminated

2008-08-28T10:08:00.000-07:00

ter·mi·nate [tur-muh-neyt]
-nat·ed, -nat·ing.
–verb (used with object)
1. to bring to an end; put an end to: to terminate a contract.
2. to occur at or form the conclusion of: The countess's soliloquy terminates the play.
3. to bound or limit spatially; form or be situated at the extremity of.
4. to dismiss from a job; fire: to terminate employees during a recession.
–verb (used without object)
5. to end, conclude, or cease.
6. (of a train, bus, or other public conveyance) to end a scheduled run at a certain place: This train terminates in New York.
7. to come to an end (often fol. by at, in, or with).
8. to issue or result (usually fol. by in).

Enter - Wine, stage left.

Finis

Video Vuesday

2008-08-26T12:56:00.000-07:00

Two great vids stolen from MetroDad because lets be honest, his blog is a candy store, and I am a 5yr old.

First Video Savante - Rejected Olympic Sport

Rejected Olympic Sport: Toddler Tossing - Watch more free videos

Second Video Genius - Where is Mike?

Where the Hell is Matt? (2008) from Matthew Harding on Vimeo.

Kitten Shenanigans

2008-08-24T12:45:00.000-07:00

So, I put the kittens out in the yard as I typically do on a weekend morning as it's cooler and they like to play out in the fenced yard. I go to let them in at noon, and only miss Chloe is there waiting. Hmm, where's Abbie I wonder. I call her name a few times, but she doesn't come. Usually I can say it once and her bushy little self will bounce out from behind a plant. I throw on a pair of flip flops and go looking, in a robe no less. I crawl behind the trees to get to the side yard. Lo and behold there's a break in the fence, so I figure the little fury devil must have escaped. By this time I'm panicking, thinking she's probably gotten run over by a car or eaten by a neighbors dog. I race inside and throw on some jeans and a shirt, I run back outside, climb through the fence, and begin sneaking around my neighbors yard whispering her name. I wasn't able to find her, so I figure I'll check around the front of their yard - I creep back into our yard, back into the house, and swing open the front door ready to run and search - and there she is, meowing, wondering where I've been this entire time. I don't think I've ever hugged that kitten so tightly.

Needless to say, the kittens are not allowed back into the yard without the fence being fixed.

I think it's time to put the collars onto the kitties with their registration and what not. It's just that they go completely insane with the bells attached to them, but the bells won't come off :P

We'll see.

Guess what? 4 day work week and 4 day weekend coming up. Squeek squeek - I are happy.

Chicken Night

2008-08-22T13:11:00.000-07:00

Some weeks are harder than others. Some make you want to dance or sing, and others make you want to tear our your hair and stomp on teddy bears.

This week was the week of 'the change'. It hasn't been bad, but it's been quite a handful getting into a new routine. And as anyone who lives in the states know, with the economy being what it is, I'm lucky to still have a job. Which brings me onto the newest change during the week of change - they decided that instead of heave hoe'ing one of us, we're each going to work 4hrs less a week in order to help alleviate some of the economy woes that we're currently facing. /breathe of relief, I still have a job. For now. On a positive note I spoke with my office mgr and she said that if things changed and my future here was less certain that she'd give me a heads up.

Needless to say, not going to lose sleep over it just yet.

Onto more important things - there's this kitten I know..she's extremely hairy and evidently doesn't know how to clean herself. This resulted in her being ceremonially dipped in and out of the bathtub that was filled with water. Now to the question - in order to prevent some of the kitten dirtiness should I: a) wash her more often b) cut off some of that hair or c) ignore it and it'll go away. In an attempt to keep the princess'sssss cleaner we got some long haired kitty litter to help sort out some of the other dirty issues :).

Chris is encouraging me to start classes this Spring. I really want to start working towards my degree but at the same time I feel like I have zero time as is. Sure I could cut things back a bit, but as is I'm spread thinner than butter on a dieters piece of bread, I don't have any time to even figure out what I'd cut back on! I'll add that to my weekend todo list. /furrows brow.

I've been craving meat all week - knowing me, this is an extremely rare event. So behold...Tonight is chicken night - the best night of the month or whenever we have it. I must explain. Chicken night is not just eating chicken - it's an assortment of chicken. We cook up three + recipes of chicken and snack on them as finger food over the evening with wine. And by we, I mean Chris, because lets face it, I ain't the shiniest pan in the cupboard. I'm salivating with the mere thoughts of chicken night.

Oh! I have officially moved into my office, and am making it home. I have a little wall of quotes, and have sanitized every inch of everything. It's nice, I can put my ipod on and listen to some tuneage as I work, and hum without anyone hearing - unless they walk by of course. My filing is set and in motion, my printer prints, and best of all it's mine. Still not quite done but we'll get to the little things like setting up my voicemail later.

I'll finish this up later.

Happy tgif peoples!

Anniversary

2008-08-19T13:33:00.000-07:00

It's been two years today, that yours truly got married.

In celebration, behold a new background/layout.

Enjoy, and celebrate.

Perfect

2008-08-17T20:44:00.000-07:00

Sitting.

Updating my ipod.

Laying on the floor.

Drinking wine.

Eating cheese and greek olives.

Barefoot.

Kitten purring next to me.

Pj's and pony tail.

Loving the moment.

G'night.

Dream to Disaster

2008-08-17T17:38:00.001-07:00

As everyone knows by this point, I'm changing positions at my work. This was supposed to be quite exciting but has turned into a chaotic misfortune for me. I would go into detail but I'm trying to keep an open mind. I'm giving it all next week to try this new situation out, maybe even the week after - unfortunately I'm already feeling a great amount of dread in anticipation of Monday and the week to follow. I just want to have a full platform to request a change - not just burst into tears after the first day and say I hate it as I'm sobbing in a pool of my own schlept.

Enough about that, as it has already commanded far too much attention as is.

This weekend has been quite calm, nothing amazing or shocking happened. Our tv stopped working, which isn't bad, just a nuisance. Hmmmm nothing really else has happened. I have to get some dr appointments set up, but finding new dr's is more of a hassle then I first thought. It's not just as easy as closing your eyes and swinging your finger around on a page and stopping - I tried it. What else shall I write about?

MmMmMm. I know! I can steal something from someone elses blog. BEHOLD! A square about Me:

This is stolen from Jennifer, aka http://thewordcellar.blogspot.com/ . She has all the guidelines should you want to make one yourself.

I'm currently reading a book called Sybil - about a girl and her multiple personalities. It's quite something, definitely not a light read. If anyone has any suggestions of books to read feel free to post or email me. I always have a book on the go, and I like reading what other people read.

I'll leave you with a quote....

"The art of living is more like wrestling than dancing"

-Marcus Aurelius

Sister, Sister

2008-08-13T12:54:00.000-07:00

For those of you who know my charming sister, her blog is linked to the left at the bottom. If you're too lazy to find it, here's the link!

http://dancingbarefootintherain.blogspot.com

Happy Blogging to all.

Tomorrow, Tomorrow

2008-08-11T13:23:00.000-07:00

I'll love you tomorrow.....only a day away. I adore Annie. Never the less, sorry about not posting "tomorrow" as I said I would. Instead of updating I waited and added the blogs to the side bar. Let me tell you, these are amazing women - word warriors if you will. Give them a visit - there's something for everyone, all you have to do is look.

Be kind :)

Crash Crying

2008-08-09T20:13:00.000-07:00

Sometimes you have to cry. An emotional, gut wrenching release. So strong that in the end you're sobbing shakes your entire being.

It's been a long time since I've allowed myself to cry - trying to be strong. Keep in mind I wound easy and I don't heal quickly by any means.

So I cried. Long, and deep. Distraughtly and without reason.

That being said, lets move on to the events that led up to this moment.
Aka, the last 3 weeks...

At work:
We've been dealing with one of the girls coming back from maternity leave, one going on working vacation for a week, and then another girl going on vacation for 2 weeks. It's not easy to do all the switch'aroo'ing, typically we can handle it flawlessly, it's just a lot of work to prepare for those people being gone. Needless to say our normal routine was blown to pieces. Another change is that my position is changing from an administrative assistant to an research assistant moonlighting as an administrative assistant. This change is epic in proportion because it's completely different from what I'm currently doing. Firstly, I get my own office - sick I know. Secondly I'll be working under our Executive Direct Hire Recruiter. Thirdly, I'll be helping in the research and retrieval of candidates, as well as sourcing and eventually doing primary phone interviews. The DH Recruiter and I discussed what we were both looking to accomplish as well as just getting to know each other a bit, which shed a lot of light for me - at that point I didn't know what quite to expect. So I'm trying to close out all my current projects. I didn't realize quite how many balls I've been juggling until I started passing them on to other people. I seem to take on a lot of work, thankfully I haven't overloaded myself yet, we'll see how much I can handle until I explode. Next week is my last week to close out everything and fully prepare myself for my new position etc. so that should be fun!

At home:
Trying to juggle work and home life is harder then anyone ever let on. I realized that things don't always fit into a pretty little boxes with a perfect little bows, and that life doesn't get easier, it gets harder...much much harder. The decisions have more weight, risk, and sometimes reward. I'm trying to balance everything, and lately I feel like I'm unable to keep my head above water. I'll get it eventually I'm sure, or I'll have an emotional break down. Either outcome sounds exciting no? The garden needs weeding, the house is a disaster zone, my care hasn't seen a good bucket of bubbles in 3 months, and there are so many loads of laundry to do that if I start now it'll still take up the rest of my weekend. I'm trying to be rational and realize that there is always another weekend, that I don't have to shove it all into this one, unfortunately I've never been that rational - Thanks mama - hehe just kidding. Too bad things arn't as simple as they were way back when - then again I could have ended up much worse. So I've been jamming as much as I can into everyday, tiring myself out to complete exhaustion, and going backwards instead of moving forward.

Anyways...

The last three weeks have been chaos, and I fear that next week is just going to get worse.

I'll post again tomorrow - sorry this is just a bunch of half thoughts. That's all I'm able to muster at this point.

G'night

Wordless Week

2008-07-20T15:52:00.000-07:00

A Night of Thanks

2008-07-11T18:40:00.000-07:00

Firstly, I'll start with a picture of Abbie. I want to stress how not normal she is. She's perfect. And yes, that is a rug - she enjoys playing under them.

Back to the week...

Oh what a week! It felt long for being a short week. I still can't believe that the one girl who has been on leave will be back in a short two weeks! It'll be very exciting to have her back, we all miss having her in the office.

I started really exercising again, it's been great. I forgot how much energy I have when I'm on a normal routine, yet there's so much more flexibility in my current routine that it doesn't seem like all chance of spontaneity is gone. Soon I'll get a gym membership again - I love my yoga, pilates, and spin classes. Time to take care of tj again, I've been putting me on the back burner for two years, so I figure I'm about due.

Oh yeah , here is our garden after I planted. Sorry it took me so long to post a picture, but I've had a lot on my plate recently -just be happy you got one at all :P. Everything is getting so dry, with weather in the triple digits it's to be expected; we hit 118F the other day, can we say sweat?

On another note...

Music, wine, dancing; cleaning/tidying as I move from room to room and a blog waiting for me to pour into. I wouldn't have it any other way. Tonight has been good..no...great. You'd be surprised how good life is when you take a moment away from everything just to think what you have.

Lord I am so blessed...

I have an amazing mama and papa bear, they have sacrificed everything for their children, and they love me beyond dimensions that I can comprehend; they have given me their all and then some more. I have a big sis who understands things that I haven't yet experienced and somehow passes that knowledge on to me, and a brother in law who loves her in a way that I prayed for as a child. A brother who is my teddy bear - he has shown me strength and determination. A husband who wants to give me the world, and loves me through it all. A mum and da who loves me as their own. I have a lil sis who is the baby sister I always wanted, she's young and naive, and perfectly pure as a baby sister should be. I have a bro who is my constant reminder that there is a God with a plan much bigger than our own, he's strong and yet so fragile. I have more extended family then anyone I know. Two kittens who are joy and excitement tucked into the cutest little fluff balls that exist. A fantastic job, with sweet and caring people.

My needs are met, I have fun, and I know that everyday holds the potential for beauty.

I love and am loved, I dream, I laugh.

I pray. I believe.

What more could a girl ask for?

G'night

I'm Late

2008-07-02T09:14:00.001-07:00

So Late! For a very important date! Hehe.

Howdie Doodies children!

I hope that everyone had a good weekend - my four day weekend has been fabulous. I've mucked around in the garden per usual, slept in (okay so 8:30 isn't late, but boy does it feel good), played with the mischievous kittens, cleaned up the fishie tanks etc. It's been wonderful and I still have one more day! What more could anyone ask for right? It's been slow, just the way I like it!

On Wednesday we had dinner over at the in laws, grandma and uncle kiki were there. It was really nice to meet him finally, and I really got the chance to pick his brain about living in Europe. Can you even think of that? Living in Europe, to dream! As always it was really nice to spend time with the familia!

Right now - I'm lounging in my reading chair, the tinkle of the aquarium running, a certain little kitten purring on my chest, and all the info I could ever need right at my fingertips! Chris is at work unfortunately, but I believe he has tomorrow off so that'll be nice.

It's just the right amount of quiet... with that said I shall end my smallest entry. Enjoy the comic.

Note: the date stamp will be incorrect, today is 7.6.08!

WooHoo

2008-07-01T10:04:00.000-07:00

~d.a.n.c.e~

guess who has medical coverage?

es ist ich!

~d.a.n.c.e.w.i.t.h.m.e~

To Dream

2008-06-28T14:22:00.001-07:00

We had a lovely dinner party over at the parents place on Friday - in celebration of papa Jacks birthday and his and mama Kasey's anniversary. It's really nice to have the whole family together. Good dinner, good company, lots of laughter and took much cake...what more can I ask for. It really was more fun than I can describe - Jack even played this word game with us... knowing that he did it for us was very sweet of him. I'll have post a lovely picture of the old folks parade picture I took (Alex in his wheelchair, Carly using his walker, and finally Bryan with a cane).

Saturday morning I slept in and it was great! Got up with Chris, bid him farewell to work, then put my gardening gloves! I ripped out about 90% of the weeds in the backyard then got surprised by the sprinklers, needless to say I had mud caked everywhere. It was still fun though, and the house is looking good (don't peek into my craft room though).

Sunday was all relaxation - it's been quite awhile since Chris and I have had a day off today so it was nice just to spend time together. We got a few sucker fishies; our tanks algae levels were getting high enough that we could sustain a few. We played a few games, and in general just spent time around the house :)

On another note...speaking to so many people I've realized that there are a lot of things I want to do and see in my lifetime! I want to be adventurous and wild like I once was - or I felt I was!

A few things I want to accomplish in life...
~ Learn to speak two foreign languages fluently (perhaps german and spanish?)
~ Get my BA in either human resources or computer science
~ Learn to play the piano (I've always dreamed of playing)
~ Get a tattoo - hehe don't freak out :)
~ Learn how to surf
~ Backpack Europe with Chris
~ Learn how to snowboard
~ To travel all over the world...to special places
~ Have a hobby that makes money - even if it is just fun money
~ Get really proficient at sewing
~ Be able to do 25 guy push ups
~ Teach a yoga class with a studio nearby
~ Take belly dancing classes
~ Go to the theater every year
~ Take ballroom dancing lessons
~ Work on carpentry as an active skill
~ Relearn html

And a funny comic for you who read this.. night kids <3

Mein Garten!

2008-06-19T16:45:00.000-07:00

I thought that I would post early in excitement of the coming celebration that is July 1st. Not only is it Canada Day – GO CANADA! – it’s also the day that I get health benefits! It’ll be a relief to know that I can finally go see a doctor without worrying that we’ll be paying mucho buckos. I can’t believe it’s been 2 yrs+ since I’ve seen a doctor... that seems almost scary now looking back. Not that I’m sick now or anything, it’ll just be another thing I can check off from my worry list. Next is to get Chris a health plan also, not like the little bugger ever gets sick :) but just in case he falls off a ladder or I throw a knife at him.

An update on the fishies - we’ve lost a few, but they keep having babies so we’re up more than we’re down. Thankfully not all of the deaths have been unexplained occurrences; some of them are just simply getting old.

In other news…Our favorite little patient is doing well and is making a speedy recovery. Hopefully he’ll have his err appliance (?) off in 3-4 weeks, as I know that would really give him a boost. We did a fathers day/welcome home day on Sunday last week and it was really nice to have the whole family together (Brian was also there, and though he isn’t legally family yet, he may as well be). We had a great dinner, and even managed some games afterwards. I’m still worried about our now wheelchair bound boy, but he speaks about the future with great fervor that makes me believe he will change his life.

Also, I thought everyone should know that I rock at Harvest Moon. We found my game cube in a box, and I’ve been enjoying a few of my old games again. I forgot how fun it was to sometimes do mindless things, it really eases some of the stress of a day of work.

Another good thing that is coming up is my long weekend for July 4th – silly Americans – where I have a beautiful 4 day weekend. I already have mapped out my time for gardening and getting the house completed, that’s right I said completed. My goal is to have the entire house arranged and unpacked by the evening of Monday 7/7. I figure one more week of putzing in the yard and then the mega weekend and I should have had sufficient amount of time to get this house into order. It’ll be nice not to have to come home and see a wall of boxes! Hopefully in time that if/when any of our extended family come out it’ll look organized and put together. Sorry that there isn't any after pics, my camera's battery died. So hopefully I'll get that done next week, but the one's that are posted are after I ripped out all the stuff. Enjoy.

An update on the kittens – they had their first taste of wet (it smells terrible) food and they loved it. Too much so, now after I’ve given them their dinner scoop of dry food they keep meowing in hopes that they’ll soften me. No such luck for them, but I’m debating about whether I should just give them a small portion for dinner on weekends as a treat. We’ll see, Chris is anti-wet cat food, hehe.

It’s silly but I feel so happy and yet so sad lately, hopefully I’m not bipolar. Sorry bipolar disorder isn’t a laughing matter. I just don’t know how to explain it. I’m happy about the house and how life seems to slowly be falling into place, but other things still keep dragging me down. Perhaps I just need a bit more sun, on that note, the garden is looking good. Well good may be an overstatement. It’s coming along, though anything is better than what it used to look like. I still have to figure out the sprinkler system because it doesn’t seem to be doing what it’s set for, but that’s another days work.

This week at work has been long… not only are we down a person (technically two, one is out on maternity), our server has been offline since Friday morning. We truly are hopeless without our computers, especially since all our records are kept and updated via our network. They with be back up, supposedly, tomorrow. In any case I have mounds and mounds of work piling up that I can’t even get to unless the computers are up and running. The next few days will fly by as I expect I’ll be busier than ever trying to catch up.

Finally Home

2008-06-15T11:31:00.000-07:00

I got down and dirty this weekend, literally! I putzed around our small garden and actually enjoyed it. On Saturday I ripped out all our dead and dying/hideous weeds (some were probably good plants but everything was beyond saving) after going to Home Depot. Once I had done that I was already sweating, burned, and covered from head to toe in dirt. I had dirt and grime on every inch of my body...thankfully our shower has a powerful spray! I finished planting this morning, and once again the shower soothed my aching back and arms. I'll post before and after pictures next weekend.

Our house is messier than it was on Friday, if that makes any sense. I keep pulling boxes from the garage into the house and opening them...before I know it there's piles and piles of stuff around me and I can't dig myself out. It's fun to think of the prospects of actually being unpacked for the first time in our marriage. I'm so thankful - this house has brought us so many firsts for us, it's very refreshing. We attached our foot/head board to the bed, and YAY it all fits (that's right, we weren't actually sure that the mattress would fit inside of the bed frame with the head and foot board attached). After moving a few more boxes into the house I decided to put up Grandma's and Grandpa's picture (that's what's below). It finally feels like home having the painting up!

Onto the terrible two - yes the kittens.. the evil kittens. Chloe has turned into a parrot, a drooling parrot. She doesn't always remember to swallow when she's purring so she starts to drool, it's funny if you can believe that. As for being a parrot, her favorite place to sit is on our shoulders. Abbie on the other hand has turned into a hair eater. She'll climb up the back of Chris's computer chair and try to eat his hair. For me she's a little less subtle, she just walks up to me and starts biting my bangs. On a positive note they both love the house, though I'd be surprised if they didn't enjoy their new romping grounds.

It looks like I'm going to tackle my craft room today, their are wayy too many boxes lying around that would be in that room :). I'm also getting my laundry going. EEeeEE, I love having our own washer and dryer; I have always liked doing laundry, and finally being able to do it without being forced allows me to fully enjoy it again. I'll also clean the fish tanks and change their waters, they haven't been doing so great so perhaps some cleaning will do them well.

Besides all that...

!!HAPPY FATHERS DAY!!

To all you dad's out there, thanks for doing such a great job :)

We're going to do a dinner thing over at the parents house, so that'll be fun. I have to remember to bring my books over there also - I've finished reading The Mark from the Left Behind Series (I read it first when it originally came out, but I decided to read it again as it's almost been 8yrs). They really are addicting, I've read 8 of them in one month, really rejuvenates the thirst for the Bible.

Before I forget, if you've ever had a jamba juice smoothie, prepared to be blown away by my smoothies. The jamba ones are great, but mine are AMAZING!! Not to blow my own horn, but I really do make great flavors..perhaps I will learn how to cook.

An Emotional Homestead!

2008-06-09T07:53:00.000-07:00

So we've almost got everything moved in - minus a few odds and ends. I took on the kitchen this weekend and in my professional opinion it looks great! It took a lot more work than I first expected but now that it's done I feel like I can take on the rest of the house. Next weekends project will be our bedroom, bathroom and the dreaded living room; a big project but I hope to get it all done. Our bedroom would have been finished this weekend except for the fact that no matter how much you try not everything will fit into your car - for example a 4 ft tall and 5 ft long headboard that weighs 50-75lbs does not fit into my suzuki aerio.. no matter how hard I tried! Anyways, Chris and The Jack brought it over yesterday and it's partially set up. It's weird being up off the ground, it's the first bedframe we've had in the almost 2yrs we've been married.

I had a minor emotional outburst when I couldn't fit everything into a 48hr weekend..they just don't seem long enough to do everything I want to accomplish. Chris, being the gentle giant he is, quickly calmed me down and reminded me that we can do a little every evening and take on the bigger projects on the weekends. He's oddly logical sometimes, thank goodness for my sanity. He also organized our entire closet :) which helps my sanity!

The hospital mouse is getting better, slowly but surely, he's sore from physio everyday but it's worth it. He's been using a walker and has been moved out of the Nuero ward so that was exciting. It's still difficult to get through the fog, and sometimes it seems like a continual haze, so we're praying that he'll be clear eventually. Momma Kasey has been so strong through all of this, it's really amazing that she has been able to deal with it all.

Now for some exceptionally good news! Chris got two job offers for two different positions with the same place. I am so incredibly proud of him that I can barely speak, yet I want to scream! The first time in our marriage we'll have two incomes, shocking isn't it? It finally feels like we're settling down. Chris will be looking at classes once he has his schedule and go from there! His first day is today (orientation)!!

On another note.. I never thought that I would be that avid of a gardener but now that I have 'a bit of earth' I find myself really wanting to putz around in our little yards. I've already decided on a few flowers/plants that I'd like in my garden. Eeep, my garden! Sorry got a bit excited there. We have a small front and back garden so it should be fun. I think I'll put in a few hydrangeas up front with some long grasses and perhaps some wild flowers and then in the back I want to have some herbs and strawberries in pots and perhaps some bamboo! By the way that obviously isn't our place but it inspired me with different plant ideas :)

Pst - don't let anyone know that I almost putting off posting for another week ~ It would have been chaos though, so I finally got it done!

My Tea Cup is Half Full

2008-05-30T07:45:00.000-07:00

Drinking some tea - surfing the web before my shift starts. The quiet hum of the office - people I love and am blessed to work with - I wouldn't have it any other way.

Little boy blue is slowly improving, he was fully standing in his physio yesterday (I almost screamed when Mumma Kasey told me that, I was so proud). Still praying that he'll make a full recovery - and that this will be used to guide others. I miss him a lot, not that I'm shocked I do, but seeing him and him not being totally himself is hard. God must really want his heart as it was a miracle he survived in the first place!

It's still a go for the move today and this weekend - thank goodness. I was a little worried that something would happen and it wouldn't be possible, as this single thing is keeping me hopeful and my head above the water. Chris is going to possibly clean the carpets today and we'll start moving things into the garage. It'll be nice not to be rushed as I took Monday off in preparation, so we could move and still have some breathing time.

Thinking of trying to go organic...we'll see about that one. I think I'm finally rock bottom enough to realize it and work on my health. I'm taking a multivitamin and some primrose oil at the moment, and I found out that I adore mangos (they're really good tasting, who would have thought it?)..shocking news I know.

Time for me to pound out some resumes. May God bless your day with the knowledge that his love surrounds you always - even in the darkest of times :)

<3

By the way if you love tea as much as I do, a great site for buying it is:
http://www.adagio.com

A Weekend to Forget

2008-05-25T20:42:00.000-07:00

My fair brother in law was in a motorcycle accident on Thursday night. Needless to say it's been excruciating waiting for the phone to ring and hearing what the latest news is. He's finally out of the woods. Thank goodness for the mass prayer network we have going - from Cali to Canada to as far as Switzerland. He opened his eyes and gave a thumbs up today, sounds like good news to me. It's going to be a long and difficult recovery as far as I can tell, but he's a fighter, so it'll be painful on all of us.

In other news, another one of our fishies had babies. And in preparation for that we got another tank, a beautiful 20g that is currently cycling with one of the betta's in it - mean I know but
he's a strong wee fish. We have total 49 baby fish aka fry, so they're getting a bit pent up in their little floater holders, it'll be nice to give them a larger home of their own once we move over to the new house - but that's other news all together.

T-minus 116 hours we'll be moving into our new place. I was excited, though I think it was more of me trying to be excited through everything that has been happening - even prior to the car.. er motorcycle accident. I'm trying to keep busy to stop thinking about everything that is running through it. I've also taken to reading the left behind series again - I completed the first four books in 5 days - I find reading a fantastic diversion though it is currently failing me.

We didn't go to the baptismal service today as it's been raining since yesterday, such a shame. A sad Memorial Day weekend in my humble opinion.

Because if you didn't think I was depressed before. Here is a picture of my beloved (and dearly departed) Bailey. He loved me like I loved him - whole heartedly and without prejudice. He had the best personality.. I miss him so much. It's been over a month and I doubt I'll truly get over it. /cry..

Since that would be a terrible way to end a post I decided I'm going to list all our fishies names (excluding the babies). Fyer, Lola, Roxanne, Dottie, Ski, Optimus, Scarlette, Giah, Bernadette (Bernie), Nera, Pharo, Sunny II, Kenya, Striker, Casper II, "The Fish", Nio, Milo, Saphire, Leroy, Blazer, Shiloh, and Muoka. Very creative I know. We've lost some good fish already..I just hope that we don't lose any (or very few) during our move next week.

Eagh I'm exhausted, having a hard time sleeping, or staying asleep for very long.
The sleeping aide of choice - Benedril - has yet to fail me.

Night peoples! And don't worry I'm not depressed, just a terrible writer :). Oh and does anyone know whether it's costly to live in Denmark? That's a venture I'm looking into!

"Let your tears come. Let them water your soul"
-Eileen Mayhew

Ooopsies

2008-05-16T08:05:00.000-07:00

So...I am guilty of not posting in awhile. Me so sorry :). In my defense I'm still getting used to this idea of posting again, after my livejournal years this is kind of .

What is new you ask?

*Well we're moving into the new place in under 2 weeks!! I'm so excited I can barely stay still!! I've already decorated in my mind. Though plans changed, and Alex will now be staying with I couldn't care less; plus I'm glad that he won't be down in Florida, and would rather him stay with us then not see him for 3+years!

*More of our fishies had babies! So now we have 2 from Scarlett's brood - she had a small brood and by the time we found out she had them we could only find 2, 9 from Kenya's brood - she had them while we were house sitting so we weren't able to find as many because they'd been in the tank for already a week (big fishies eat little fishies), and 30 from Gaeia's brood - we knew she was about due to pop so we turned up the temperature in the tank and surely enough next morning we were scooping out her babies!

*Mattie and Nate are moving back to Canada, sad times indeed, I'm going out for coffee/jambas with her tomorrow to commemorate her farewell. I know that Mattie must be extra excited to get back to her family and maybe start a family of her own. Though I'll miss her terribly - I regret not spending a lot of time with her, just with silly life getting in the way, I know I missed out on a great thing.

*The kitties are doing good, being rambunctious and crazy, but growing. We might have to restrict their diet as Abbie is getting chubby and little Chloe is staying skinny - not sure how it's going to work but we'll see. As long as one isn't starving our the other...Abbie is a little moo cow we won't worry about it too much, or lose too much sleep over it either way. Though I think Chris might scream if they keep waking up early with me. Hehe.

*Work is amazing per usual. I couldn't be more thankful for a group of people so supportive and just caring in general. It feels like home, that's the best way I can describe it! It's the first job that I've planned along with for the future --> like vacations and whatnot. It's been a blessing, and I am so grateful for all the prayers that landed me where I am.

*G-ma and G-pa came out during mother's day. It was good to see them considering I probably only spend 5-10 minutes in their presence during the wedding and that's been almost 2 yrs ago. Gosh we've been married almost 2 yrs, scary how time flies. Anyways, they're doing good. They'll be going to Mom-Kay's competition in Hawaii, lucky buggers!

*Mom-Kay's bike thinger majigger is coming up quick, on June 1st she'll be riding the 100 miles (maybe 109, I can't recall the exact length) around Lake Tahoe for awareness and raising of the Lymphoma Society. I'm proud of her, doing all this rigorous training, which with all honesty I couldn't do!!

That sums it up, I'm sure that there's more but lets not say everything at one time! I have to leave something for my next week update; which I believe is more true to my style, plus once a week will be easier for me to upkeep.

On another note, this was a great movie in it's time. I remember loving it as a kid - though I cant't recall much it, other then I believe Bernie is dead and moves/dances when there's music on? Something along those lines, hey it's been a long time! I will have to go out and rent it... With that said, you have a great weekend :)

Whew, long post. Outties kids

Under The Sea

2008-05-01T07:55:00.000-07:00

I'm so glad that our aquarium has finally stabilized, it was quite worrisome when we had an ammonia spike and a few were given a flushing burial. The babies are growing (2 are still alive) and it looks like we'll be getting another brood in the next couple weeks.

Eventually we'll start working on a salt water aquarium, but for now we'll work on the fresh water; that way if a fish dies it's not oh my gosh that was a $$$$$ fishie, and I start crying because it died, etc etc. Anyways, the newest members are Lola, Roxanne, and Patches O'Hoolihan.

In A Single Grain

2008-04-30T07:45:00.000-07:00

Another beautiful day down in sunny California, too bad living in the valley is...well living in the valley. And too bad the valley down here is nothing like the beauty of the valley up north in C-da (aka my homeland, aka Canada).

The air quality is getting to me most recently, as it's sweeping up my allergies quite a bit, not as bad as back home but enough to be annoying. A few suda-fed and I'll be back up and running in no time :).

Happy hump day to you.

A New Book

2008-04-29T07:51:00.000-07:00

I started reading Angela's Ashes a couple days ago, and so far it has stood up to it's "Irish Turmoil" explanation on the back cover. I watched the movie when it came out way back when, but the book thus far has turned out to be much more riveting for me. Perhaps it's because I enjoy reading certain styles instead of seeing them on film. In anycase, if you like a heart rencher with insight into history give this a go.

In other news, the kitties are happy as can be, and become more and more mischevious with every day!

Un fiore per voi!

2008-04-28T07:54:00.000-07:00

Miss Margaret Hudson - painter/sculptor extroadinaire. I adore her flowers, they're magnificent! I used to love walking the halls of the hospital I used to work at and look at her amazing flowers. She is one of my favorite artists. If you haven't seen some of her work (her baby quail are adorable too!) I suggest googling her and checking her out.

Back to work today! HAPPY MONDAY. I'm trying to be positive as I got a good night sleep (thank you benedril), and deciding that it might be time to look at tylenol pm as a sleep aid. Enjoy the sun, it's been beautiful out here. Oh and the jasmine is in bloom and it smells like heaven.

Formal Introduction

2008-04-27T15:08:00.000-07:00

Looks like I'm going to have to post 3 pictures in order to make up for the last few days. So what shall it be?? Well I assume it'd be best of me to introduce the two newest members of our family. Lowe and behold the fierce some duo!

The lil ankle biters are quite photogenic when they stay still long enough for me to snap a picture.
They were sleeping, but when I turned on the camera they woke up a little. Don't worry, being true campers they passed right out the moment the camera was gone again. They're really the most darling little babies, with bold personalities that we can't help but adore.

This is the Abbie - she's a spunky little calico with so much to say. She's always gabbing up a storm (her nick name is princess gabby) or playing around with her sister. A big lover of food, the moment the fridge opens surely miss Abbie won't be far behind.

This is Chloe - a contained tuxedo with more mischief on her mind then the average kitten. She's shy to begin with, but warms up quick with a purr that would make a tractor blush. Her and Abbie love to play fight and just play in general.

Re: Forgetting Sarah Marshall

2008-04-24T12:49:00.000-07:00

So we went to see it because it looked on the funny side, a lot of actors we both enjoyed were in it so we thought what the heck lets give it a go.

Unfortunately....this thinly plotted movie is held together by gasping full frontal nudity's of the not so attractive Jason Segel.

Yes I said gasping, in a full movie theatre there was stunned gasps after the first flash, half gasps and one or two laughs after the second flash, and silence after the third flash.I think the saddest part is it could have been so much better if there was more of a plot and a lot less sexual innuendos.

Anyways I'd give it a C+, like the rediculous highschooler who could do better, but flops because all of his like minded friends are flopping about also.

Besides the world of crummy movies, my allergies are in full charge so benedril is driving me to continue through the day until the glorious time when I get to go home and hide from the orange tree blossoms.

A Photo A Day Keeps The Migraines At Bay.

2008-04-23T11:37:00.000-07:00

I've decided to post a photo a day for fun. Just a way for me update even without saying anything or very little - don't want to get overwhelmed :).

A Forest Like None Other.

Magical isn't it? Bah Humbug on all you evil corporations that pollute earth, and all you sad people who believe that one person can't make a difference. Everyone doing a little something can benefit the earth over time.

What's new? I'm running solo today as one of the girls is out sick. It's been good, affirming my knowledge and making me learn the tough way. BE PROUD OF ME!! On a positive note (not that the aforementioned isn't positive) our latest additions to our family are doing splendid, though my fingers/hands look like they have gone through a war zone - don't you just love little antsy kitten claws?

A New Beginning

2008-04-22T13:11:00.000-07:00

A blog for me.myself. and Irene. Wait. No. This is for people, like me, unlike me it doesn't matter. If you have thoughts then you're perfect. It may be random it may be dramatic - who cares, just embrace it. But mostly to keep family and friends updated on the day and life of me and my lovely husbando.

Yikes this is starting to sound very fru fru. Never the less this will be splendid.

So enjoy, share, and love.

-tj