I was going through some of my past blog posts and stumbled onto number 18 of this series. I completely forgot all about this so I thought perhaps I should finish up my 30 things. Because I just know you're dying to know all about me!
To see what this is all about click here
#19 - If you could live anywhere, where would it be and why?
This is a tough question to answer because I've really been to so few places. I can't say I'd want to live somewhere I've never been because, well, how do I know I want to live there if I've never even visited?
That leaves me the places in Canada and the US I've visited. Here's the thing. I've seen so little of Canada. I've seen so much more of the US. But there are two major factors to consider that would bar me from ever living in the US. Health care and politics. I'm not going to turn this into a political post but suffice it to say I prefer living in a country where I can receive world class health care without worrying about insurance or out of pocket expense. I'm also more inclined to stay where gun laws are stricter and my gay family and friend can marry the person they love.
Don't get me wrong my dear American readers. I love visiting the US. I've been to 20 of your fine States and will happily vacation there again. Many people near and dear to me are American.
But being Canadian is not just a case of being born in Canada. It's a personality trait. Canadians are just different. I can't explain how really - it's just something that has to be experienced by putting a Canadian and, well, just about any other nationality together for any length of time. We're not better - just different.
And being that I'm Canadian born and raised that differentness is just an inherent part of me. I don't think I could change.
So - that said, is there any place in Canada, besides where I live right now that I'd want to live? I think I'd have to say British Columbia. And here's why.
I need to be near a city. Not necessarily in one - I prefer the suburbs - but close enough that I can get to one. And preferably a multicultural hub. I grew up in Toronto. It doesn't get more multicultural than that and I want my kids to experience that diversity. (Not that I can say where I live now is a model of diversity but we're close enough to Toronto that they can experience it) So that rules out most of the land mass in Canada. We only have a few major cities for me to live near.
Next to consider is scenery. Toronto is boring to look at. Southern Ontario, besides Niagara Falls, really doesn't offer much by way of scenic beauty. So I could move to the east coast - Newfoundland, for instance. You won't find nicer people in all of Canada than you will in Newfoundland, and I'm not just saying that because Sean is a Newfoundlander. It's true. Plus it has got to be one of the most beautiful places on earth. No kidding. You should go there sometime (Shameless plug...go stay at the Fogo Island Inn my brother in law is a chef there.)
Or I could move to BC. Mountains and ocean all in one place. I was in awe of the beauty there.
So how do you choose between Newfoundland and BC? It all comes down to the weather.
They both get rain. A lot of it so I can't use that to decide but there is one huge difference. The 4 letter word of Canada. SNOW.
I like snow. I like to take my kids sledding. But I don't like to shovel it or drive in it or have to endure it for months on end. It snows in Newfoundland. A lot. It does not snow in southern BC very often and even when it does, it doesn't last long.
So, there is the most long winded answer ever to a 30 things question.
I would live somewhere in or around Vancouver or Victoria, BC.
Or maybe my own private island somewhere near Aruba.
Showing posts with label fun and games. Show all posts
Showing posts with label fun and games. Show all posts
Sunday, March 16, 2014
Wednesday, June 12, 2013
30 Things - #18
I just realized that I've never finished this. I don't like to leave things unfinished. So here we go.
To find out what this is all about click here.
#18 -What has been the most difficult thing you have had to forgive?
This is a hard one to answer. Most thing don't really bother me a whole lot. I get bent out of shape for a while but I get over things pretty quickly, life is too short to hold grudges.
I don't think it's any one thing in particular but I think I find it hard to forgive others who can't let go of grudges.
Sounds totally hypocritical doesn't it?
I just mean when people hang on to hurt or pain or anger it makes it hard for everyone else involved to move on. There is nothing that has ever happened in my life that I've not been able to move on from - without anger and without a grudge. I am forgiving because frankly, it's just to hard not to. I don't want to be miserable. I want to be happy and free and I find that in forgiveness.
But when the past gets rehashed and other people can't forgive or move on it keeps everyone involved stick in that rut too.
To find out what this is all about click here.
#18 -What has been the most difficult thing you have had to forgive?
This is a hard one to answer. Most thing don't really bother me a whole lot. I get bent out of shape for a while but I get over things pretty quickly, life is too short to hold grudges.
I don't think it's any one thing in particular but I think I find it hard to forgive others who can't let go of grudges.
Sounds totally hypocritical doesn't it?
I just mean when people hang on to hurt or pain or anger it makes it hard for everyone else involved to move on. There is nothing that has ever happened in my life that I've not been able to move on from - without anger and without a grudge. I am forgiving because frankly, it's just to hard not to. I don't want to be miserable. I want to be happy and free and I find that in forgiveness.
But when the past gets rehashed and other people can't forgive or move on it keeps everyone involved stick in that rut too.
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
30 Things - #17
To see what this is all about click here
I'd forgotten all about this and then noticed in my blog stats that someone had been reading the first 16 things...so I thought I should continue.
17. What is the thing you most wish you were great at?
I wish I was great (or even good for that matter) at small talk.
Yup, small talk.
See, when I'm with friends talking is no problem. I can talk about anything. If I'm with strangers I can talk about work - I'm good at my job and I love my career and can talk endlessly about it. I can also talk about cancer - not such a fabulous topic but unfortunately one I'm more learned in than I ever wanted to be.
But to be in a group of people (strangers or even acquaintances) and make conversation off the cuff - I'm terrible at it. And I think it hinders me. I think it makes it harder for people to get to know me. I think people mistake my shyness for snobbishness and that's just not the case.
In fact, I'm a nice, witty, intelligent person and I have a fun, wild side to me. It just takes me some time to relax and show that. I'm an observer and I like to watch people, learn what they're about and try to engage them with that but time is not always on my side for that.
Maybe I need to wear a sign.
or
or how about this?
or, just for shiggles, how about one of these?
Okay, so not the last three - though some days I feel like that. Don't we all?
I'd forgotten all about this and then noticed in my blog stats that someone had been reading the first 16 things...so I thought I should continue.
17. What is the thing you most wish you were great at?
I wish I was great (or even good for that matter) at small talk.
Yup, small talk.
See, when I'm with friends talking is no problem. I can talk about anything. If I'm with strangers I can talk about work - I'm good at my job and I love my career and can talk endlessly about it. I can also talk about cancer - not such a fabulous topic but unfortunately one I'm more learned in than I ever wanted to be.
But to be in a group of people (strangers or even acquaintances) and make conversation off the cuff - I'm terrible at it. And I think it hinders me. I think it makes it harder for people to get to know me. I think people mistake my shyness for snobbishness and that's just not the case.
In fact, I'm a nice, witty, intelligent person and I have a fun, wild side to me. It just takes me some time to relax and show that. I'm an observer and I like to watch people, learn what they're about and try to engage them with that but time is not always on my side for that.
Maybe I need to wear a sign.
or
or how about this?
or, just for shiggles, how about one of these?
Okay, so not the last three - though some days I feel like that. Don't we all?
Saturday, October 6, 2012
Birthdays
My baby boy is turning 5 next week. I can't believe how time had flown.
I can still remember the terrifying night he was born and how we thought we were going to lose him. His cord was wrapped around his neck not once but twice and when his head came out he was (from what I'm told) a terrible shade of purple. It took a long time for the Dr to get in and for them to get his cord fixed and delivered.
The most beautiful sound I ever heard was Connor crying just after they'd rushed him from my room to the NICU. He only stayed there for two hours for monitoring.
Next week we're having a birthday party for him. He's having a glow in the dark mini putt party. He's invited 15 boys from his class. Yep. 15 five year old boys. Yahoo!!
I am paying the girls to help me with the party because they'll be in groups of 4. I don't know how many parents are going to stay - some of the kids coming are only 4 (actually a few could very well be 3) and though I don't know any of the parents - some people are okay with leaving their young ones at a party alone.
It got me to thinking about the first 'friend' birthday party I took Emily to. It was also the last friend birthday party I've taken any of my kids to.
It was a little girl she was at daycare with. It would have been the little girl's 3rd birthday.
I was (am) painfully shy and didn't do well in social situations where I don't know anyone. I am quiet, observant and withdrawn and I don't do small talk well. But I took Emily to the party because every now and then I like to challenge myself. Plus, Emily had been in the daycare for a while and I knew a few of the parents.
So, I showed up to the party 5 minutes after the scheduled start time. Yes, I know, I usually show up everywhere 5 minutes early but my rational for this was that I could come in after a couple of people were there and quietly join in.
But - I was the only one there. Besides the girls family we were the only 'guest' invited. And - even more awkward, the rest of the family wasn't actually showing up for another 2 hours.
I've had cancer. And the 3 hours I spent at that party were far worse. And no, I'm not being melodramatic. Even 10 years later I get anxious thinking about how awkward, uncomfortable and miserable I was at that party. I couldn't wait to get out of there. Finally, 3 hours later and before we even had cake I made an excuse about why we were going to have to leave and went. I almost cried when we left.
Two interesting things came out of that party.
The first was that it was the first time we'd ever been given a loot bag that cost probably as much as the gift we'd brought. It was full of toys, candy and even clothes from Children's Place.
The second was that I vowed that until my kids were old enough to be able to go to a party without Mommy that they weren't going to a party for someone I didn't know well. And I've stuck with that. My mom has been kind enough to take the kids to a few parties through the years but I just can't do it. I can't put myself in that awkward situation again and I figure if they are young enough that I still need to go to a party with them, they are young enough to forget pretty easily that they aren't going to a friends party.
It's a good thing not everyone is like me, otherwise Connor wouldn't have anyone at his party.
I'm looking forward to it.
My baby is growing up.
I can still remember the terrifying night he was born and how we thought we were going to lose him. His cord was wrapped around his neck not once but twice and when his head came out he was (from what I'm told) a terrible shade of purple. It took a long time for the Dr to get in and for them to get his cord fixed and delivered.
The most beautiful sound I ever heard was Connor crying just after they'd rushed him from my room to the NICU. He only stayed there for two hours for monitoring.
Next week we're having a birthday party for him. He's having a glow in the dark mini putt party. He's invited 15 boys from his class. Yep. 15 five year old boys. Yahoo!!
I am paying the girls to help me with the party because they'll be in groups of 4. I don't know how many parents are going to stay - some of the kids coming are only 4 (actually a few could very well be 3) and though I don't know any of the parents - some people are okay with leaving their young ones at a party alone.
It got me to thinking about the first 'friend' birthday party I took Emily to. It was also the last friend birthday party I've taken any of my kids to.
It was a little girl she was at daycare with. It would have been the little girl's 3rd birthday.
I was (am) painfully shy and didn't do well in social situations where I don't know anyone. I am quiet, observant and withdrawn and I don't do small talk well. But I took Emily to the party because every now and then I like to challenge myself. Plus, Emily had been in the daycare for a while and I knew a few of the parents.
So, I showed up to the party 5 minutes after the scheduled start time. Yes, I know, I usually show up everywhere 5 minutes early but my rational for this was that I could come in after a couple of people were there and quietly join in.
But - I was the only one there. Besides the girls family we were the only 'guest' invited. And - even more awkward, the rest of the family wasn't actually showing up for another 2 hours.
I've had cancer. And the 3 hours I spent at that party were far worse. And no, I'm not being melodramatic. Even 10 years later I get anxious thinking about how awkward, uncomfortable and miserable I was at that party. I couldn't wait to get out of there. Finally, 3 hours later and before we even had cake I made an excuse about why we were going to have to leave and went. I almost cried when we left.
Two interesting things came out of that party.
The first was that it was the first time we'd ever been given a loot bag that cost probably as much as the gift we'd brought. It was full of toys, candy and even clothes from Children's Place.
The second was that I vowed that until my kids were old enough to be able to go to a party without Mommy that they weren't going to a party for someone I didn't know well. And I've stuck with that. My mom has been kind enough to take the kids to a few parties through the years but I just can't do it. I can't put myself in that awkward situation again and I figure if they are young enough that I still need to go to a party with them, they are young enough to forget pretty easily that they aren't going to a friends party.
It's a good thing not everyone is like me, otherwise Connor wouldn't have anyone at his party.
I'm looking forward to it.
My baby is growing up.
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
30 Things - #16
To see what this is all about, click here
16. What are your 5 greatest accomplishments?
These are in no particular order.
1. Beating Cancer
It's certainly not something I accomplished alone. I had a full (and fabulous) medical team. I had the biggest and best cheerleading section. But, even with all of that, at the end of the day it was me and me alone who had to go through it and had to fight to come out victorious on the other side.
2. My Kids
Not having them, that was the easy part (my apologies to my friends who have/are battling infertility - you know the spirit in which that was intended)
I am proud of the people my kids are becoming.
I am proud of how thoughtful, kind, smart and funny Emily is.
I am proud of how Mary is not the least bit afraid to be herself, no matter what other people think.
I am proud of how smart and sensitive Connor is.
They are far from perfect but it is in those flaws that I find the most beauty.
3. My Marriage
6 years ago I had to make a choice to walk away from my marriage or fight for it. I chose to fight for it.
I am proud of how strong my marriage is now. We've overcome a lot of adversity and built something that will stand the test of time. I think my kids will be able to look at our marriage and understand that while it's not rainbows and roses like in the movies, if you work at it, it can be even better.
4. Finishing School.
This might not be an accomplishment for many but A: I hated school when I was younger and B: I rarely went. It's not only a miracle that I stuck with it but remarkable that I graduated despite never being there. Imagine what I could have done with my life if I'd actually tried?!
5........has not been accomplished yet but it's in the works. When it happens, you'll be the 5th to know.
16. What are your 5 greatest accomplishments?
These are in no particular order.
1. Beating Cancer
It's certainly not something I accomplished alone. I had a full (and fabulous) medical team. I had the biggest and best cheerleading section. But, even with all of that, at the end of the day it was me and me alone who had to go through it and had to fight to come out victorious on the other side.
2. My Kids
Not having them, that was the easy part (my apologies to my friends who have/are battling infertility - you know the spirit in which that was intended)
I am proud of the people my kids are becoming.
I am proud of how thoughtful, kind, smart and funny Emily is.
I am proud of how Mary is not the least bit afraid to be herself, no matter what other people think.
I am proud of how smart and sensitive Connor is.
They are far from perfect but it is in those flaws that I find the most beauty.
3. My Marriage
6 years ago I had to make a choice to walk away from my marriage or fight for it. I chose to fight for it.
I am proud of how strong my marriage is now. We've overcome a lot of adversity and built something that will stand the test of time. I think my kids will be able to look at our marriage and understand that while it's not rainbows and roses like in the movies, if you work at it, it can be even better.
4. Finishing School.
This might not be an accomplishment for many but A: I hated school when I was younger and B: I rarely went. It's not only a miracle that I stuck with it but remarkable that I graduated despite never being there. Imagine what I could have done with my life if I'd actually tried?!
5........has not been accomplished yet but it's in the works. When it happens, you'll be the 5th to know.
Monday, August 13, 2012
30 Things - #15
To see what this is all about, click here
15. If you were an animal, what would you be and why?
Okay, wtf kind of question is this?? Honestly, it's something Mary would ask me.
If I were an animal I'd be a cockroach so I would be indestructible.
I'd be a bird so I could have a birds eye view.
I'd be a cat so I could sleep 20 hours a day and it would be acceptable.
I'd be fish so I could live in the water. I love the water.
I'd be a butterfly so everyone would think I was beautiful.
I'd be a giraffe so for once I'd have long legs.
I'd be an elephant so Bob Barker would pay to have me moved to California.
#16 will be much more interesting.
15. If you were an animal, what would you be and why?
Okay, wtf kind of question is this?? Honestly, it's something Mary would ask me.
If I were an animal I'd be a cockroach so I would be indestructible.
I'd be a bird so I could have a birds eye view.
I'd be a cat so I could sleep 20 hours a day and it would be acceptable.
 |
| this is our little kitty Licorice. He got stuck this way in the girls beanbag chair |
I'd be fish so I could live in the water. I love the water.
I'd be a butterfly so everyone would think I was beautiful.
I'd be a giraffe so for once I'd have long legs.
I'd be an elephant so Bob Barker would pay to have me moved to California.
#16 will be much more interesting.
Friday, August 10, 2012
30 Things - #14
To find out what this is about click here
Another job interview question.
14. Describe 5 strengths you have.
My favourite job interview answer for this question..... "I am able to be a team player but am also able to work independently with minimal supervision." This translates to - I'll work with other people if I have to but truth be known I'd rather you just tell me what to do, when it's got to be done by and everyone can leave me the hell alone. Ironically, this is truthfully how I work best. I'm a great team player - provided I'm the captain of the team.
And that brings me to number 1.
1. I'm organized.
I'm not OCD organized but I think I'm organized than most. I have mental lists a mile long of what needs to be done - and more recently because of chemo fog, I have paper lists. And they all get done. I'm a planner, I don't fly by the seat of my pants well and organizing speaks to that for me.
2. I'm kind.
I know this might be considered a personality trait rather than a strength but I consider it a strength. It's easy to be kind to the people you like, the challenge is to be kind to those you don't like. And while I genuinely like most people I find more and more (especially after cancer) that I have no patience or tolerance for certain kinds of people. I just don't like those people as much as I once did but am still forced to interact with them on a regular basis.
3. I have a great sense of humor.
I don't mean I tell knock knock jokes. I see humor in everyday life - particularly when it comes to the irony of life. I tend to find things funny that others don't quite see the humor in and really appreciate when others do as well. When I had my mastectomy my bff bought me a birthday card with a joke in it about sagging boobs. Another friend made my birthday cake in the shape of a boob. My brother joked that most people pay an arm and a leg for their houses but I paid my right boob.
How many people laugh at having a body part removed or cancer? Not many but to me, those things were funny and brought a smile to my face when I needed it most.
4. I'm self aware.
I know what I like and what I hate. I am confident without being cocky. I am comfortable in my own skin. I don't need validation from anyone.
5. I'm committed.
I don't do anything halfway. If I'm going to do something I'm going to go at it head on and to the best of my abilities. It might not be even close to being perfect - or even right for that matter but it will be done as well as I can do it.
This goes for my relationships too. I will give it 100% - but I expect 100% in return.
So, did I get the job??
Another job interview question.
14. Describe 5 strengths you have.
My favourite job interview answer for this question..... "I am able to be a team player but am also able to work independently with minimal supervision." This translates to - I'll work with other people if I have to but truth be known I'd rather you just tell me what to do, when it's got to be done by and everyone can leave me the hell alone. Ironically, this is truthfully how I work best. I'm a great team player - provided I'm the captain of the team.
And that brings me to number 1.
1. I'm organized.
I'm not OCD organized but I think I'm organized than most. I have mental lists a mile long of what needs to be done - and more recently because of chemo fog, I have paper lists. And they all get done. I'm a planner, I don't fly by the seat of my pants well and organizing speaks to that for me.
2. I'm kind.
I know this might be considered a personality trait rather than a strength but I consider it a strength. It's easy to be kind to the people you like, the challenge is to be kind to those you don't like. And while I genuinely like most people I find more and more (especially after cancer) that I have no patience or tolerance for certain kinds of people. I just don't like those people as much as I once did but am still forced to interact with them on a regular basis.
3. I have a great sense of humor.
I don't mean I tell knock knock jokes. I see humor in everyday life - particularly when it comes to the irony of life. I tend to find things funny that others don't quite see the humor in and really appreciate when others do as well. When I had my mastectomy my bff bought me a birthday card with a joke in it about sagging boobs. Another friend made my birthday cake in the shape of a boob. My brother joked that most people pay an arm and a leg for their houses but I paid my right boob.
How many people laugh at having a body part removed or cancer? Not many but to me, those things were funny and brought a smile to my face when I needed it most.
4. I'm self aware.
I know what I like and what I hate. I am confident without being cocky. I am comfortable in my own skin. I don't need validation from anyone.
5. I'm committed.
I don't do anything halfway. If I'm going to do something I'm going to go at it head on and to the best of my abilities. It might not be even close to being perfect - or even right for that matter but it will be done as well as I can do it.
This goes for my relationships too. I will give it 100% - but I expect 100% in return.
So, did I get the job??
Monday, July 30, 2012
30 Things - #13
To find out what this is about click here.
13. Describe 5 weaknesses you have.
This one makes me feel like I'm at a job interview. Don't you love when they ask you this question? Because really, who wants to talk trash about themselves when trying to impress a potential employer.
You can't say things like "My biggest weakness is that I care too much."
Really?Thanks for coming in but we're going to hire that guy who told us his weakness was his lunch hour spliff. He might be a stoner but he doesn't try to feed us a line of bullshit.
Okay, so here's mine. Not my job interview weakness...my real live everyday life weaknesses.
1. Beer.
Not like the guy who sparks up every lunch hour but I really like beer a lot and if someone is having a beer I'm inclined to join them. There's nothing better than sitting on your patio in the sun with a nice cool beer. Yum.
2. Michael's.
I have small problem with thinking I am the most creatively inclined person out there. The truth is I'm mildly okay at many many things but not really good at any one thing. I get on creativity kicks and will spend a week or two on a new craft until I bore of it and move on to the next thing. Going to Michael's is bad for me because not only do I always have a coupon but there are 45 million different craft ideas there that are screaming at me... "Buy me! You know you could make these for Christmas/birthdays/Hanukkah/Halloween/Tuesday/to sell to raise money for Papa's Pride" So I spend a small fortune, make some things that turn out okay and then go to Michael's again for more inspiration.
It's beyond weakness...I think it's full fledged illness.
3. Homemade chocolate chip cookies.
There is nothing better in the whole wide world. Not even sex. And that's saying something because I really like sex.
4. Reality TV.
I know most of the time it's garbage but even after 12 years of Survivor I love it. And Teen Mom, don't get me started. 19 Kids and Counting....more power to ya lady. Sister Wives, not my bag but I love the relationship they all have. I'd love a Sister Wife who I don't have to share my husband with.
Oh, wait, we call those best friends. Duh.
5. My kids.
I don't mean this in the "I care too much." way but honestly my kids are my weakness. I can't stand to see any of them unhappy. I cave in at the first sign of tears. I am a sucker for a hug or kiss. I'd pass up all the beer, crafts, chocolate chip cookies and reality TV for time with them.
13. Describe 5 weaknesses you have.
This one makes me feel like I'm at a job interview. Don't you love when they ask you this question? Because really, who wants to talk trash about themselves when trying to impress a potential employer.
You can't say things like "My biggest weakness is that I care too much."
Really?Thanks for coming in but we're going to hire that guy who told us his weakness was his lunch hour spliff. He might be a stoner but he doesn't try to feed us a line of bullshit.
Okay, so here's mine. Not my job interview weakness...my real live everyday life weaknesses.
1. Beer.
Not like the guy who sparks up every lunch hour but I really like beer a lot and if someone is having a beer I'm inclined to join them. There's nothing better than sitting on your patio in the sun with a nice cool beer. Yum.
2. Michael's.
I have small problem with thinking I am the most creatively inclined person out there. The truth is I'm mildly okay at many many things but not really good at any one thing. I get on creativity kicks and will spend a week or two on a new craft until I bore of it and move on to the next thing. Going to Michael's is bad for me because not only do I always have a coupon but there are 45 million different craft ideas there that are screaming at me... "Buy me! You know you could make these for Christmas/birthdays/Hanukkah/Halloween/Tuesday/to sell to raise money for Papa's Pride" So I spend a small fortune, make some things that turn out okay and then go to Michael's again for more inspiration.
It's beyond weakness...I think it's full fledged illness.
3. Homemade chocolate chip cookies.
There is nothing better in the whole wide world. Not even sex. And that's saying something because I really like sex.
4. Reality TV.
I know most of the time it's garbage but even after 12 years of Survivor I love it. And Teen Mom, don't get me started. 19 Kids and Counting....more power to ya lady. Sister Wives, not my bag but I love the relationship they all have. I'd love a Sister Wife who I don't have to share my husband with.
Oh, wait, we call those best friends. Duh.
5. My kids.
I don't mean this in the "I care too much." way but honestly my kids are my weakness. I can't stand to see any of them unhappy. I cave in at the first sign of tears. I am a sucker for a hug or kiss. I'd pass up all the beer, crafts, chocolate chip cookies and reality TV for time with them.
Friday, July 27, 2012
30 Things - #12
To find out what this is all about, click here
12. Describe a typical day in your current life.
I wish I had an interesting answer for this one but frankly, my life is a big bore and pretty average.
I wake up, I drink coffee, I eat breakfast and check my email. I go to work and 9 hours later I come home. I eat dinner, spend time with my kids, put them to bed and watch TV.
In the summer those 9 hours I'd be at work are spent taking the kids to the beach or the zoo or hanging about the house doing laundry and putting the sprinkler out for the kids.
But truth be known, my life has been a chaotic mess for the past year so I'm pretty content to have a bit of boring normalcy.
12. Describe a typical day in your current life.
I wish I had an interesting answer for this one but frankly, my life is a big bore and pretty average.
I wake up, I drink coffee, I eat breakfast and check my email. I go to work and 9 hours later I come home. I eat dinner, spend time with my kids, put them to bed and watch TV.
In the summer those 9 hours I'd be at work are spent taking the kids to the beach or the zoo or hanging about the house doing laundry and putting the sprinkler out for the kids.
But truth be known, my life has been a chaotic mess for the past year so I'm pretty content to have a bit of boring normalcy.
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
30 Things - #11
To find out what this is about click here
This one will be fun. Everyone loves to complain and really, what are pet peeves if not complaints!
11. Describe 10 pet peeves you have.
1. People who talk on their cell phones during breakfast/lunch/dinner/drinks with friends.
This also includes texting, browsing the internet and all other electronic methods of ignoring the people who are right in front of you.
Besides the fact that it's horribly rude to talk on the phone in a restaurant imagine how the people who are sitting with you feel. You're in essence saying "I'm happy to spend time with you but if a phone call or an interesting text message comes in you're on your own. And if you're truly boring, I'll check my facebook and twitter while we chat."
Here's the thing. Unless you are on call for work or it's your babysitter calling to tell you that your house is on fire and Junior is bungee jumping from the roof, chances are it's nothing that can't wait an hour.
I'm clearly not the only person who feels this way. There is a 'game' that people are playing while out at restaurants now in which everyone stacks their phones on the table. The first person to take their phone off the stack to answer a call, text or browse the internet is responsible for the restaurant bill for the group.
This one will be fun. Everyone loves to complain and really, what are pet peeves if not complaints!
11. Describe 10 pet peeves you have.
1. People who talk on their cell phones during breakfast/lunch/dinner/drinks with friends.
This also includes texting, browsing the internet and all other electronic methods of ignoring the people who are right in front of you.
Besides the fact that it's horribly rude to talk on the phone in a restaurant imagine how the people who are sitting with you feel. You're in essence saying "I'm happy to spend time with you but if a phone call or an interesting text message comes in you're on your own. And if you're truly boring, I'll check my facebook and twitter while we chat."
Here's the thing. Unless you are on call for work or it's your babysitter calling to tell you that your house is on fire and Junior is bungee jumping from the roof, chances are it's nothing that can't wait an hour.
I'm clearly not the only person who feels this way. There is a 'game' that people are playing while out at restaurants now in which everyone stacks their phones on the table. The first person to take their phone off the stack to answer a call, text or browse the internet is responsible for the restaurant bill for the group.
 |
| I'm ordering ONE OF EVERYTHING because I know I won't be the one paying the bill!!
I may start this game up at our house parties too. If you take your phone off the stack to answer a call, text or browse the internet you'll be responsible for the clean up. Did I mention my dishwasher is broken? Booyah!
2. Dirty Feet. This especially hits hard at this time of year - flip flop season. As a side note, flips flops seriously have to be the worst shoe known to man. Not only are they uncomfortable but they are ugly and the sound they make slapping against the feet when you walk is worse than nails on a chalkboard. But I digress. I'm in the small group of people who don't really find feet disgusting. I think they are fascinating really. I don't have a foot fetish but feet don't gross me out either. I spent hours looking at my kids feet when they were babies. Mary has impossibly long toes and Emily has big feet (proportionately so - she's tall) Connor's feet are still small enough to be cute. But we live in a place where wearing shoes in the house is not the norm and so walking around in bare feet that are dirty translates into that dirt going on the floor. Feet sweat more than any other body part so combine dirt with sweat on my floors and furniture and I want to scream. If you're gonna be barefoot, please keep them clean!! 3. The Sound of People Chewing I once saw a show about these people who had some kind of illness in which they would go completely ape shit for what appeared to be no reason. It turned out they were hypersensitive to certain sounds. One girl would loose it at the sound of her own mother's voice (though as the mother of a teenager - I tend to think this is most teens) Having said that, I get that very same feeling when I hear someone chewing. It's not about chewing with your mouth opened (that's just plain gross) but even people who chew nicely. If I can hear it I get fiercely irritated. This is probably why the TV is on during meal times in our house, not so we can ignore each other but so that I don't start throwing forks at my family just for chewing their food. 4. When Az in the wordz "kidz" and "hugz". It'z annoying enough when kidz do it but they're kidz it can be overlooked. But when adultz do it it'z just plain annoying. I'm not zuper zpeller or anything and my grammar zuckz azz but zeeing an adult uze a Z in place of an S zmackz of 40 year oldz trying to ztay young and hip. My guezz iz that theze zame people fall into the 40 year old drezzing like an 18 year old category. 5. People Who Blow Sunshine Up Other People's Butt's. You know the people I mean. It's the casual acquaintance who says you look gorgeous in that dress while your real friends are wondering what the hell you were thinking when you bought that? It's the people who gush about how smart/thoughtful/kind you are when in fact you haven't done anything more extraordinary than bring a box of Timbits to work. It's the 'Yes Man'. I value honesty above all else in a friend, colleague or acquaintance. Hell an honest stranger is better than a two faced friend. Please, don't blow sunshine up my ass. Tell me how you see it. We may not agree but I'll respect you a hell of a lot more if you honour your own thoughts, values and beliefs. 6. The Mommy Wars I will openly admit that I don't agree with a lot of what other parents do. And I'm positive there are other parents out there who don't agree with how I choose to raise Emily, Mary and Connor. But here's the thing. The only person on earth who gets a say in how I raise my kids is Sean. No one else's opinion matters so save your judgement on my choices to both breast and bottle feed, use disposable diapers, not spank, let my kids watch TV and play video games and let them play in the mud. And I will afford you the same courtesy because unless you are putting your kid's life in danger by filling her bottle with whiskey or beating him with belts for spilling milk - how you raise your kids is none of my damned business. No one is a better parent for my kids than me. And no one is a better parent for your kids than you. So you raise your kids and I'll raise mine. 7. People Who Must Fill A Silence  I think that says it all. It's okay to sit and be. There doesn't always have to be conversation or humming or other background noise. There is not enough silence in this world so if you find yourself blessed with some - enjoy it! It's NOT awkward. It's heavenly. 8. Referring To Someone As "Years Young" When Saying Their Age As in "My mom is 65 years young" Seriously? You all know I'm a glass is half full kind of gal but this expression is not an optimistic one, it's just friggin' stupid. The one exception to this would be if someone asks "How young are you?" "I am 38 years young." But when is the last time you heard a person ask that? I'm thinkin' never. I understand it's meant to make the person feel not so old but come on, an 89 year old has been around long enough to know he/she is old. It's not going to offend them to say "George is 89 years old." In fact, I'm betting George agrees with me and is thinking "You douche, say it right!" 9. People Who Post Ambiguous Facebook Status Updates You know the ones I mean... "Uh oh! What do I do now??" "I'm so happy!!" "I'm sad......" MORE INFORMATION PLEASE! The point of these is so that all of your FB friends will comment "What's wrong??" "Why are you so happy?" "Awww, hugz!!" If you want some attention post a status saying just that. "Hey friends, I need someone to pay attention to me please." so that the rest of us who simply don't give a shit can move on. If you genuinely need help or something to share I'm betting you're going to going to ask for it privately or you're going to come right out with it. "Uh oh! What do I do now? Junior ate my diamond earrings!!" "I'm so happy, Junior pooped out my diamond earrings!!" "I'm sad, I need new diamond earrings because there's no way I'm fishing them out of Juniors shit!" 10. People Who Get Mad When They Are Proven Wrong. What's the big deal? We're all wrong sometimes. It's no big whoop. It doesn't mean anyone thinks your an idiot. It doesn't mean you're not smart. It doesn't mean people don't like you. It means you were misinformed. End of story. Instead of getting huffy when someone shows you that you were wrong, thank them for showing you what is correct. Even if they were kind of douchey about how they did it, at the end of the day isn't it better to have a clue and know what you're talking about than to continue to be wrong and look like a yutz? I think so. But if I'm wrong, please let me know. |
Sunday, July 22, 2012
30 Things - #10
To find out what this is all about click here
10. Describe your most embarrassing moment.
I was 8 years old and in grade 3. I was not very popular in school at that time and was often teased and picked on. I had a couple of friends but for the most part I was bullied through most of elementary school.
Anyhow, on this particular day I was playing with some friends at recess. Our school yard had a lot of trees and one tree in particular, an apple tree, was a fun place to hang out because the branches were low enough that we could climb it (and jump out quickly if a teacher came around since we weren't allowed to climb the trees)
I don't remember what lead to it but we were all laughing, hard, and I laughed so hard that I peed my pants.
As if the kids in my class didn't have enough to tease me about - well you know where this one is going. I went into the bathroom and splashed my pants, front and back, with water so that it would look like my whole pants were went. I then told everyone that I'd fallen in a puddle. On a completely dry and sunshiny day.
Needless to say, no one bought it, I was humiliated and spent the rest of the day crying.
Thankfully, I transferred schools at the end of that year and that was a major turning point in my life.
10. Describe your most embarrassing moment.
I was 8 years old and in grade 3. I was not very popular in school at that time and was often teased and picked on. I had a couple of friends but for the most part I was bullied through most of elementary school.
Anyhow, on this particular day I was playing with some friends at recess. Our school yard had a lot of trees and one tree in particular, an apple tree, was a fun place to hang out because the branches were low enough that we could climb it (and jump out quickly if a teacher came around since we weren't allowed to climb the trees)
I don't remember what lead to it but we were all laughing, hard, and I laughed so hard that I peed my pants.
As if the kids in my class didn't have enough to tease me about - well you know where this one is going. I went into the bathroom and splashed my pants, front and back, with water so that it would look like my whole pants were went. I then told everyone that I'd fallen in a puddle. On a completely dry and sunshiny day.
Needless to say, no one bought it, I was humiliated and spent the rest of the day crying.
Thankfully, I transferred schools at the end of that year and that was a major turning point in my life.
30 Things - #9
To find out what this is about click here.
9. List 10 people who have influenced you and describe how.
I've been pondering this one for a long time and just posted that I wasn't going to answer it right now, that I'm having a hard time with it. And then in answering question 10, I came up with a partial answer.
So, I'm going to answer this one bit by bit, as they come to me. Forgive me, I'm finding this one hard because I'm not easily influenced - I'm pretty strong willed and while I'll seek out the opinions of others, I generally do what I think is best, not what others do.
1. My Childhood Bullies.
I was bullied quite a bit as a youngster. I was teased for many things, my size (I was tiny) for where we lived (we lived in public housing) my clothes (were fine but we couldn't afford brand names and you know how kids are) my lack of coordination or athletic ability ('nuff said). The fact is, if there was a reason to tease me, the kids in my class found it. I hated school - especially in grades 3, 7 and 8 because that's when I felt it the most.
And it's those very same bullies that taught me empathy. I could feel the pain of the other kids who'd been bullied. And as I got older and more accepted I was still rooting for the underdog.
And now as an adult, especially now as an adult, I still see it happening, at the school I work in (not just with the kids, but sadly enough with co workers as well....yes, even adults bully other adults....being a teacher does not excuse one from being an asshole) and I see it in my kids' school and I think back to when I was that kid and felt the shame and unhappiness of being bullied.
I strive now to teach my kids to be kind to others - always, no matter what. I don't insist that they be friends with everyone but that MUST be kind to others. I know how hard it is to be a kid and I hope I'm able to instill in them that while it might be unpopular, someone needs to stick up for those kids who everyone teases....turning a blind eye to bullying is just as bad as bullying itself.
And I lead by example. As unpopular as it may be, I am kind to those at work who others are not. Because within that person is a heart, feelings and goodness. And no one deserves to be treated like shit.
So - my childhood bullies have influenced me to be a better person than they were - to accept others for who they are and to be kind to everyone.
That's it for now - but as I think of more I'll add them in.
9. List 10 people who have influenced you and describe how.
I've been pondering this one for a long time and just posted that I wasn't going to answer it right now, that I'm having a hard time with it. And then in answering question 10, I came up with a partial answer.
So, I'm going to answer this one bit by bit, as they come to me. Forgive me, I'm finding this one hard because I'm not easily influenced - I'm pretty strong willed and while I'll seek out the opinions of others, I generally do what I think is best, not what others do.
1. My Childhood Bullies.
I was bullied quite a bit as a youngster. I was teased for many things, my size (I was tiny) for where we lived (we lived in public housing) my clothes (were fine but we couldn't afford brand names and you know how kids are) my lack of coordination or athletic ability ('nuff said). The fact is, if there was a reason to tease me, the kids in my class found it. I hated school - especially in grades 3, 7 and 8 because that's when I felt it the most.
And it's those very same bullies that taught me empathy. I could feel the pain of the other kids who'd been bullied. And as I got older and more accepted I was still rooting for the underdog.
And now as an adult, especially now as an adult, I still see it happening, at the school I work in (not just with the kids, but sadly enough with co workers as well....yes, even adults bully other adults....being a teacher does not excuse one from being an asshole) and I see it in my kids' school and I think back to when I was that kid and felt the shame and unhappiness of being bullied.
I strive now to teach my kids to be kind to others - always, no matter what. I don't insist that they be friends with everyone but that MUST be kind to others. I know how hard it is to be a kid and I hope I'm able to instill in them that while it might be unpopular, someone needs to stick up for those kids who everyone teases....turning a blind eye to bullying is just as bad as bullying itself.
And I lead by example. As unpopular as it may be, I am kind to those at work who others are not. Because within that person is a heart, feelings and goodness. And no one deserves to be treated like shit.
So - my childhood bullies have influenced me to be a better person than they were - to accept others for who they are and to be kind to everyone.
That's it for now - but as I think of more I'll add them in.
Saturday, July 7, 2012
30 Things - #8
To find out what this is about click here.
8. What are 5 passions you have?
I'm having a tough time with this one. I'm not sure I'm passionate about 5 things.
I'm not sure I'm passionate about anything really. My family? Of course. My job? Sure. But I don't think that's what this question is about.
This one is going to have to be unanswered.
Maybe I'll be able to come back to it and answer it someday.
8. What are 5 passions you have?
I'm having a tough time with this one. I'm not sure I'm passionate about 5 things.
I'm not sure I'm passionate about anything really. My family? Of course. My job? Sure. But I don't think that's what this question is about.
This one is going to have to be unanswered.
Maybe I'll be able to come back to it and answer it someday.
Friday, July 6, 2012
30 Things - #7
To see what his is about click here.
7. What is your dream job, and why?
Okay, again, kind of a no brainer because I've said it a million times in the last 2 years but I'm doing it now.
I always wanted to be a teacher and for me, kindergarten is the ideal grade to teach.
These kids are going to spend the next 18 years in school and they start that journey with me. There is nothing more rewarding than seeing a kid develop from someone who didn't know the letters in his/her name to a child who can read a simple book in just 9 short months. There is nothing better than watching a child who didn't have any one to one correspondence in September do a graphing activity in May.
Kids this age think their teachers are the next best thing to Mom and Dad. They think you walk on water, you know everything AND you have stickers.
I couldn't imagine doing anything else with my life. Working with children is my calling. I also chose to work in an inner city school because, unfortunately, a lot of these kids may not make it all the way through high school. If I can give them a love of learning early on hopefully it will stick with them so that they will stick with school.
Of course, I'd not balk at making a career of my other dream job.....being filthy, stinkin' rich and traveling the world doing good deeds.
Sean always says, "If you're going to dream, dream big. It doesn't cost any more!"
7. What is your dream job, and why?
Okay, again, kind of a no brainer because I've said it a million times in the last 2 years but I'm doing it now.
I always wanted to be a teacher and for me, kindergarten is the ideal grade to teach.
These kids are going to spend the next 18 years in school and they start that journey with me. There is nothing more rewarding than seeing a kid develop from someone who didn't know the letters in his/her name to a child who can read a simple book in just 9 short months. There is nothing better than watching a child who didn't have any one to one correspondence in September do a graphing activity in May.
Kids this age think their teachers are the next best thing to Mom and Dad. They think you walk on water, you know everything AND you have stickers.
I couldn't imagine doing anything else with my life. Working with children is my calling. I also chose to work in an inner city school because, unfortunately, a lot of these kids may not make it all the way through high school. If I can give them a love of learning early on hopefully it will stick with them so that they will stick with school.
Of course, I'd not balk at making a career of my other dream job.....being filthy, stinkin' rich and traveling the world doing good deeds.
Sean always says, "If you're going to dream, dream big. It doesn't cost any more!"
Thursday, July 5, 2012
30 Things - #6
To see what this is about, click here
6. What is the hardest thing you have ever experienced?
You might be surprised by my answer here. It's not cancer. At least, not mine. Mine was hard, no doubt about it. I was terrified beyond words but I had some level of control.
The hardest thing I've ever experienced was watching cancer take my Dad.
No one wants to lose someone they love. And while we do all expect to have to bury our parents, to watch a physical decline from being capable to being dependant on someone is hard. But what was even harder was the mental decline. My Dad had a tumor in his brain and it quickly affected him. I will never forget the morning I found him at the computer clicking the mouse over and over and over and making no sense when he talked to me. It turned out he was trying to figure out how to light his cigarette but couldn't get that thought out.
My Dad was a smart man. He was quick, witty, intelligent. To see him brought down like that, not able to even formulate enough coherent thought to light a cigarette. That was something that was unbearable to see.
When my Dad was diagnosed we knew it was terminal. There is no control. You can't fix it. You can't change it and all you can hope for is for it to happen quickly. We were blessed with that (if you can find a blessing in that) But to know there is no hope and to put on a brave face, both for him and for us....there is nothing worse.
It's not something I ever want to go through again and I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy.
6. What is the hardest thing you have ever experienced?
You might be surprised by my answer here. It's not cancer. At least, not mine. Mine was hard, no doubt about it. I was terrified beyond words but I had some level of control.
The hardest thing I've ever experienced was watching cancer take my Dad.
No one wants to lose someone they love. And while we do all expect to have to bury our parents, to watch a physical decline from being capable to being dependant on someone is hard. But what was even harder was the mental decline. My Dad had a tumor in his brain and it quickly affected him. I will never forget the morning I found him at the computer clicking the mouse over and over and over and making no sense when he talked to me. It turned out he was trying to figure out how to light his cigarette but couldn't get that thought out.
My Dad was a smart man. He was quick, witty, intelligent. To see him brought down like that, not able to even formulate enough coherent thought to light a cigarette. That was something that was unbearable to see.
When my Dad was diagnosed we knew it was terminal. There is no control. You can't fix it. You can't change it and all you can hope for is for it to happen quickly. We were blessed with that (if you can find a blessing in that) But to know there is no hope and to put on a brave face, both for him and for us....there is nothing worse.
It's not something I ever want to go through again and I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy.
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
30 Things - #5
To see what this is about click here
5. What are the 5 things that make you most happy right now?
1- My kids. Yeah, it's a no brainer, I know. My kids make me happy, even when they make me mad. They are the best thing, the only worthwhile thing I've ever done with my life or ever will. They are my miracle.
2- My husband. Cliche perhaps but I'll tell you what, we've been in some dark places, Sean and I and the fact that we not only came out the other side but came out together and stronger than we were before makes me happy. I know I can count on him for anything and he knows the same.
3- My family. I am one of the lucky ones whose family are also friends. Our social events always include my mom and brothers and Sean's brothers. Not because we have to invite them but because we enjoy their company. They are fun people, all of them, and that means spending time with them just because.
4- My friends - both near and far. My friends give me strength, they make me laugh, the inspire me and the accept me for the hot mess I am. How can that not make you happy?
5- Life. I genuinely love life. I might complain every now and again but there isn't a thing I would change in my life (not even cancer if you can believe that - I gained a lot from the experience) Life makes me happy. The ups, the downs, the future the past....it's a heck of an experience. It's exciting.
That one was a little too easy.
On a side note, happy Independence Day to my American readers!
5. What are the 5 things that make you most happy right now?
1- My kids. Yeah, it's a no brainer, I know. My kids make me happy, even when they make me mad. They are the best thing, the only worthwhile thing I've ever done with my life or ever will. They are my miracle.
2- My husband. Cliche perhaps but I'll tell you what, we've been in some dark places, Sean and I and the fact that we not only came out the other side but came out together and stronger than we were before makes me happy. I know I can count on him for anything and he knows the same.
3- My family. I am one of the lucky ones whose family are also friends. Our social events always include my mom and brothers and Sean's brothers. Not because we have to invite them but because we enjoy their company. They are fun people, all of them, and that means spending time with them just because.
4- My friends - both near and far. My friends give me strength, they make me laugh, the inspire me and the accept me for the hot mess I am. How can that not make you happy?
5- Life. I genuinely love life. I might complain every now and again but there isn't a thing I would change in my life (not even cancer if you can believe that - I gained a lot from the experience) Life makes me happy. The ups, the downs, the future the past....it's a heck of an experience. It's exciting.
That one was a little too easy.
On a side note, happy Independence Day to my American readers!
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
30 Things - #4
To see what this is all about click here.
4. List 10 things you would tell your 16 year-old self, if you could
This one might be tough.
1. Stop skipping school! You are smart enough that you wouldn't have to work that hard to get really good grades - grades worthy of going to university for your ECE rather than college. And then you can go to teacher college and become a certified teacher instead of an ECE.
2. Listen to your parents a little more often (not all the time - let's face it, you are 16!) You don't know it now, but you'll realize later...they are right about most things.
3. Don't get your self esteem from boyfriends. Most of the guys you'll date between now and when you meet Sean will be douche bags. I'm not saying don't date them, but keep in mind they are not 'the one' so have fun with it but don't expect too much. There is one exception.
4. Build stronger friendships. Besides your bff you are not really friends with anyone from your highschool days. While that's not unusual, there are a few friendships you wish you hadn't let fade away.
5. QUIT SMOKING!!! Like a fool I smoked for nearly18 years. I wish I'd never started but I did so I wish I'd quit sooner.
6. Do one thing a week that is new, scary and outside of your comfort zone. It will make it easier to do as an adult.
7. You are responsible for your own happiness. No one else can make you happy - they can only contribute to your happiness.
8. Enjoy this time. You don't think so now but this really is the time of your life.
9. Be confident. You are smart, attractive and fun. You have no reason to be shy.
10. Do something with that hair dammit. It looks like shit!!
4. List 10 things you would tell your 16 year-old self, if you could
This one might be tough.
1. Stop skipping school! You are smart enough that you wouldn't have to work that hard to get really good grades - grades worthy of going to university for your ECE rather than college. And then you can go to teacher college and become a certified teacher instead of an ECE.
2. Listen to your parents a little more often (not all the time - let's face it, you are 16!) You don't know it now, but you'll realize later...they are right about most things.
3. Don't get your self esteem from boyfriends. Most of the guys you'll date between now and when you meet Sean will be douche bags. I'm not saying don't date them, but keep in mind they are not 'the one' so have fun with it but don't expect too much. There is one exception.
4. Build stronger friendships. Besides your bff you are not really friends with anyone from your highschool days. While that's not unusual, there are a few friendships you wish you hadn't let fade away.
5. QUIT SMOKING!!! Like a fool I smoked for nearly18 years. I wish I'd never started but I did so I wish I'd quit sooner.
6. Do one thing a week that is new, scary and outside of your comfort zone. It will make it easier to do as an adult.
7. You are responsible for your own happiness. No one else can make you happy - they can only contribute to your happiness.
8. Enjoy this time. You don't think so now but this really is the time of your life.
9. Be confident. You are smart, attractive and fun. You have no reason to be shy.
10. Do something with that hair dammit. It looks like shit!!
Monday, July 2, 2012
30 Things - #3
To see what this is all about, click here.
#3 - Describe your relationship with your parents.
First my Mom.
My mom and I very close and outside of Sean I think she knows me better than anyone. My Mom has always been there for me no matter what. I enjoy her company. She's easy to talk to and though we have our disagreements I know I can tell her anything. We are alike in many ways but I think in more ways we are different and I think that is where our disagreements come from. Regardless, I wouldn't trade her for the world, she's not just my mom, she's my friend. My kids adore her and she adores them. I feel so lucky that they are able to enjoy a relationship with their grandmother.
Now my Dad.
My Dad was a quiet man. He kept to himself. He was the observer and would only offer his opinion once he'd fully assessed the situation. He was funny, really funny and could always make me laugh. His humour was sarcastic and timely; not knock knock joke-ish. My Dad was a realist; he saw things for what they were and didn't sugar coat things. He was a no bullshit kind of guy. I tend to think I'm a lot like he was.
My Dad and I weren't close in the traditional sense. We didn't share the same interests - though for a couple of years in the 90's we went to a lot of baseball games together and I suspect that just as much as I sometimes found it hard to talk to him because of that, he probably felt the same. But I respected him, loved him and admired him. I enjoyed his sense of humor and nothing made me happier than seeing him and my kids play together. My favorite picture of him is this one
It's Connor giving Papa a kiss.
When Emily was about 5 we had a computer game called Barbie Explorer and my Dad would take Emily outside to play their own version of it, running around the backyard and the side of the house on an adventure.
I have been blessed with two wonderful parents who made me who I am. I couldn't ask for more.
#3 - Describe your relationship with your parents.
First my Mom.
My mom and I very close and outside of Sean I think she knows me better than anyone. My Mom has always been there for me no matter what. I enjoy her company. She's easy to talk to and though we have our disagreements I know I can tell her anything. We are alike in many ways but I think in more ways we are different and I think that is where our disagreements come from. Regardless, I wouldn't trade her for the world, she's not just my mom, she's my friend. My kids adore her and she adores them. I feel so lucky that they are able to enjoy a relationship with their grandmother.
Now my Dad.
My Dad was a quiet man. He kept to himself. He was the observer and would only offer his opinion once he'd fully assessed the situation. He was funny, really funny and could always make me laugh. His humour was sarcastic and timely; not knock knock joke-ish. My Dad was a realist; he saw things for what they were and didn't sugar coat things. He was a no bullshit kind of guy. I tend to think I'm a lot like he was.
My Dad and I weren't close in the traditional sense. We didn't share the same interests - though for a couple of years in the 90's we went to a lot of baseball games together and I suspect that just as much as I sometimes found it hard to talk to him because of that, he probably felt the same. But I respected him, loved him and admired him. I enjoyed his sense of humor and nothing made me happier than seeing him and my kids play together. My favorite picture of him is this one
It's Connor giving Papa a kiss.
When Emily was about 5 we had a computer game called Barbie Explorer and my Dad would take Emily outside to play their own version of it, running around the backyard and the side of the house on an adventure.
I have been blessed with two wonderful parents who made me who I am. I couldn't ask for more.
Saturday, June 30, 2012
30 Things - #2
To see what this is all about, click here
#2 - Describe 3 legitimate fears you have and explain how they became fears.
1 - I'm afraid of elevators.
When I was 4 I was stuck in an elevator with 15 or so people. That doesn't sound like a lot, I know, but remember this was the 70's. It was a painfully small elevator and it got stuck between the 1st and 2nd floor of my Grandparents building because it was too full. My grandparents lived on the second floor of the building. My Uncle was getting married that day so there were a lot of family members crammed into the elevator. I don't think we were stuck that long but when you're 4 and scared even 5 minutes is an eternity. I've since been stuck in elevators 3 more times.
My fear is not running out of air, I know that can't happen but I'm afraid of the cable breaking and us crashing to the ground. Sean and I lived in an apartment on the 6th floor and I only took that elevator twice. Every other time I took the steps. My eldest brother lived on the 10th floor of a building. I walked up to that too.
I do get in elevators if it's necessary and feel safer in one that has hydraulics over cables but if stairs are a reasonable option I will take them.
2- I'm afraid of flying.
This is an ironic fear since just yesterday I voluntarily booked a flight to Vancouver. I'll be flying alone.
I've flown 3 times. Once to New Brunswick when I was 12 (and I don't remember being afraid then), once to Newfoundland (2 weeks before 9/11) and once to Las Vegas. I've also been in 2 helicopters and a little 5 seater plane. The worst flight was to Vegas, I think because I was a parent and travelling without my kids. I was parent when we flew to Newfoundland but Emily was with us so if I went, we all went.
I know flying is much much safer than driving but if I have a car accident I might break a leg or my pelvis but I also stand a good chance of surviving.
If my plane goes down I'm dead. And I'm thinking it takes a good amount of time to fall from 30,000 ft so I've got plenty of time to kick myself for even getting on the plane while we wait for our impending death. See where I'm going with that?
Having said that, if I live my life allowing my fears to control me I'll never get anywhere and frankly, as much as I like long drives, I'm not driving 5 days to Vancouver. And since there is no bridge to Europe and I'd like to go there one day....I'm going to have to suck it up.
3 - I'm afraid of cancer.
Isn't everyone? In the back of our minds, yes, everyone is. For me though it's never again going to be a back-of-the-mind fear. I've been there - done that and don't ever want to do it again. I beat it once. I don't want to have to fight it again because my greatest fear isn't the battle itself, it's losing.
I'm not afraid of death, it's just a fact of life and I know one day it will happen. I just don't want it to happen now, I'm not finished living yet. I want to see what kind of people my children become. I want to meet my grandchildren. I want to spend some retirement years traveling with Sean. I want to be able to say "I've lived a good life and I'm ready to go when God is ready to take me."
And when he does take me, I hope it's in my sleep, peacefully and without a lengthy illness that takes my dignity from me. Death by cancer is never pretty. I don't want to go that way.
Wow, what a downer this question was!!
I'm leaving this one on a lighter note since it's a beautiful, sunshiny day.
#2 - Describe 3 legitimate fears you have and explain how they became fears.
1 - I'm afraid of elevators.
When I was 4 I was stuck in an elevator with 15 or so people. That doesn't sound like a lot, I know, but remember this was the 70's. It was a painfully small elevator and it got stuck between the 1st and 2nd floor of my Grandparents building because it was too full. My grandparents lived on the second floor of the building. My Uncle was getting married that day so there were a lot of family members crammed into the elevator. I don't think we were stuck that long but when you're 4 and scared even 5 minutes is an eternity. I've since been stuck in elevators 3 more times.
My fear is not running out of air, I know that can't happen but I'm afraid of the cable breaking and us crashing to the ground. Sean and I lived in an apartment on the 6th floor and I only took that elevator twice. Every other time I took the steps. My eldest brother lived on the 10th floor of a building. I walked up to that too.
I do get in elevators if it's necessary and feel safer in one that has hydraulics over cables but if stairs are a reasonable option I will take them.
2- I'm afraid of flying.
This is an ironic fear since just yesterday I voluntarily booked a flight to Vancouver. I'll be flying alone.
I've flown 3 times. Once to New Brunswick when I was 12 (and I don't remember being afraid then), once to Newfoundland (2 weeks before 9/11) and once to Las Vegas. I've also been in 2 helicopters and a little 5 seater plane. The worst flight was to Vegas, I think because I was a parent and travelling without my kids. I was parent when we flew to Newfoundland but Emily was with us so if I went, we all went.
I know flying is much much safer than driving but if I have a car accident I might break a leg or my pelvis but I also stand a good chance of surviving.
If my plane goes down I'm dead. And I'm thinking it takes a good amount of time to fall from 30,000 ft so I've got plenty of time to kick myself for even getting on the plane while we wait for our impending death. See where I'm going with that?
Having said that, if I live my life allowing my fears to control me I'll never get anywhere and frankly, as much as I like long drives, I'm not driving 5 days to Vancouver. And since there is no bridge to Europe and I'd like to go there one day....I'm going to have to suck it up.
3 - I'm afraid of cancer.
Isn't everyone? In the back of our minds, yes, everyone is. For me though it's never again going to be a back-of-the-mind fear. I've been there - done that and don't ever want to do it again. I beat it once. I don't want to have to fight it again because my greatest fear isn't the battle itself, it's losing.
I'm not afraid of death, it's just a fact of life and I know one day it will happen. I just don't want it to happen now, I'm not finished living yet. I want to see what kind of people my children become. I want to meet my grandchildren. I want to spend some retirement years traveling with Sean. I want to be able to say "I've lived a good life and I'm ready to go when God is ready to take me."
And when he does take me, I hope it's in my sleep, peacefully and without a lengthy illness that takes my dignity from me. Death by cancer is never pretty. I don't want to go that way.
Wow, what a downer this question was!!
I'm leaving this one on a lighter note since it's a beautiful, sunshiny day.
Friday, June 29, 2012
30 Things - #1
I saw this on another blog and thought it looked interesting so I'm going to give it a try.
For the next 30 days (or so) I'm going to answer the following questions. Much like those 25 Facts About Me type of things people used to do on FB.
Anyhow these are the 30 things and I'll tackle one each day (not everyday - I do have a vacation to go on!) And through it you'll get to know me a little better and I'll probably learn a thing or two about myself too.
So here are the 30 things,
1. List 20 random facts about yourself.
2. Describe 3 legitimate fears you have and explain how they became fears.
3. Describe your relationship with your parents.
4. List 10 things you would tell your 16 year-old self, if you could.
5. What are the 5 things that make you most happy right now?
6. What is the hardest thing you have ever experienced?
7. What is your dream job, and why?
8. What are 5 passions you have?
9. List 10 people who have influenced you and describe how.
10. Describe your most embarrasing moment.
11. Describe 10 pet peeves you have.
12. Describe a typical day in your current life.
13. Describe 5 weaknesses you have.
14. Describe 5 strengths you have.
15. If you were an animal, what would you be and why?
16. What are your 5 greatest accomplishments?
17. What is the thing you most wish you were great at?
18. What has been the most difficult thing you have had to forgive?
19. If you could live anywhere, where would it be and why?
20. Describe 3 significant memories from your childhood.
21. If you could have one superpower, what would it be and what would you do with it first?
22. Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 10 years? 15 years?
23. List your top 5 hobbies and why you love them.
24. Describe your family dynamic of your childhood vs. your family dynamic now.
25. If you could have dinner with anyone in history, who would it be and what would you eat?
26. What popular notion do you think the world has most wrong?
27. What is your favorite part of your body and why?
28. What is your love language?
29. What do you think people misundertand most about you?
30. List 10 things you would hope to be remembered for.
So, here's number 1
20 random facts about me.
1. I still have a stuffed dog my grandmother gave me when I was 8. It's a beagle and his name is BJ. He's quite threadbare now but I can't bring myself to let him go.
2. I am left handed but I bat and golf right handed.
3. I hate country music. Yep, I said hate.
4. I sucked my right index finger until I was 10
5. I always wanted to be a writer. I also wanted to be a lawyer and a teacher.
6. I can tie a cherry stem into a knot with my tongue.
7. I can't wear high heels. They give my blisters on the backs of my ankles.
8. My personality has changed more in the last year than in the 37 years before that.
9. I don't begrudge aging.
10. I would love to lose weight but love food far too much.
11. I'm incredibly impatient
12. I am never late and most often I'm 5 minutes early.
13. I have never eaten rabbit, duck or venison (unless you count moose)
14. I love to fish but have only done so a handful of times
15. I consider myself to be pretty talentless. I can't dance or sing or do anything else 'extremely well'
16. I am a morning person.
17. My favorite food is chicken. Eggs are a close second.
18. I don't like chocolate cake. I prefer vanilla.
19. I wanted 6 kids but time and fertility were not on my side.
20. I have to sleep with a blanket covering me up all the way to my shoulders.
So there, you have it. 20 things youdidn't care to know are thrilled to have learned about me.
#2 tomorrow.
For the next 30 days (or so) I'm going to answer the following questions. Much like those 25 Facts About Me type of things people used to do on FB.
Anyhow these are the 30 things and I'll tackle one each day (not everyday - I do have a vacation to go on!) And through it you'll get to know me a little better and I'll probably learn a thing or two about myself too.
So here are the 30 things,
1. List 20 random facts about yourself.
2. Describe 3 legitimate fears you have and explain how they became fears.
3. Describe your relationship with your parents.
4. List 10 things you would tell your 16 year-old self, if you could.
5. What are the 5 things that make you most happy right now?
6. What is the hardest thing you have ever experienced?
7. What is your dream job, and why?
8. What are 5 passions you have?
9. List 10 people who have influenced you and describe how.
10. Describe your most embarrasing moment.
11. Describe 10 pet peeves you have.
12. Describe a typical day in your current life.
13. Describe 5 weaknesses you have.
14. Describe 5 strengths you have.
15. If you were an animal, what would you be and why?
16. What are your 5 greatest accomplishments?
17. What is the thing you most wish you were great at?
18. What has been the most difficult thing you have had to forgive?
19. If you could live anywhere, where would it be and why?
20. Describe 3 significant memories from your childhood.
21. If you could have one superpower, what would it be and what would you do with it first?
22. Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 10 years? 15 years?
23. List your top 5 hobbies and why you love them.
24. Describe your family dynamic of your childhood vs. your family dynamic now.
25. If you could have dinner with anyone in history, who would it be and what would you eat?
26. What popular notion do you think the world has most wrong?
27. What is your favorite part of your body and why?
28. What is your love language?
29. What do you think people misundertand most about you?
30. List 10 things you would hope to be remembered for.
So, here's number 1
20 random facts about me.
1. I still have a stuffed dog my grandmother gave me when I was 8. It's a beagle and his name is BJ. He's quite threadbare now but I can't bring myself to let him go.
2. I am left handed but I bat and golf right handed.
3. I hate country music. Yep, I said hate.
4. I sucked my right index finger until I was 10
5. I always wanted to be a writer. I also wanted to be a lawyer and a teacher.
6. I can tie a cherry stem into a knot with my tongue.
7. I can't wear high heels. They give my blisters on the backs of my ankles.
8. My personality has changed more in the last year than in the 37 years before that.
9. I don't begrudge aging.
10. I would love to lose weight but love food far too much.
11. I'm incredibly impatient
12. I am never late and most often I'm 5 minutes early.
13. I have never eaten rabbit, duck or venison (unless you count moose)
14. I love to fish but have only done so a handful of times
15. I consider myself to be pretty talentless. I can't dance or sing or do anything else 'extremely well'
16. I am a morning person.
17. My favorite food is chicken. Eggs are a close second.
18. I don't like chocolate cake. I prefer vanilla.
19. I wanted 6 kids but time and fertility were not on my side.
20. I have to sleep with a blanket covering me up all the way to my shoulders.
So there, you have it. 20 things you
#2 tomorrow.
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