8 Things About Me

I was tagged by Daryl Cognito

8 Things You Might Not Know About Me, Spaguy’s Wife (Chrystal)

1. I’ve had four last names (that’s got you thinking…)
2. I was actually born in Vancouver and still reside in a nearby suburb.
3. I have just been re-elected to serve third term as PAC President
4. Five years ago I was mis-diagnosed and became septic with appendicitis, spent 6 days in hospital (unheard of in BC ).
5. I spent the better part of Expo 86 in Calgary, Toronto, Orlando, L.A. and Seattle testing software, setting up hardware and training individuals on a new computer system. Think I got to use my season pass three times.
6. I have held a diving and hunting license
7. I worked at an amusement park in high school.
8. I’m notorious for starting craft projects and not finishing them.

Now VenomousKate, Cher, Tuckers, Redboy, LLAP & Spaguyster – you’re it!

Love Thy Neighbour

We all have neighbours. We like some of them, some we don’t know, some we simply co-exist with and others are a down right pain in the butt. This is pretty much how I sum up my view of the relationship between Canada and the U.S., depending on the issue in the forefront at the time. I am not a political person by any means. For the most part I would say I am politically illiterate, so much so that in elections past I used to call my Dad and ask him who I should be voting for. My Dad has since passed and I have had to make these very scary, adult decisions on my own.

One thing that I have always admired about the U.S., envied in fact, is their patriotism. I love how the 4th of July is a HUGE deal and that sporting teams, from the ground level up, are supported and revered. Though many of us Canadians are very patriotic and love that we are Canadian we have a tendency to be complacent (except when it comes to hockey ). We don’t fight too many big battles, we remain polite and keep our mouths shut, because, God forbid we may offend someone. That tends to be the Canadian way.

My son’s Cub group participated in Hands Across the Border today. I wanted to take him as I had gone when I was a Guide a very, very long time ago. I got up this morning, the weather was wet and I almost bailed. In the end I got the crew up and headed out the door. I am so glad I made the decision to go. Where else in the world can you participate in an event that the border is closed between two countries so that children of all ages can meet each other, trade badges, pins, crafts and flags? Yes there was a police presence, but there weren’t armed guards with rifles or fear that something terrible was going to happen. It was just kids having the time of their life, appreciating their new found friends with no worries of war, borders, or who had done what to whom.

At one point my six year old daughter giggled and said, “Mommy, that girl thinks that America is the United States and that when we walk over there we’re not in Canada anymore.” When I told her the little girl was correct her eyes opened wide with awe. Further explaining had to be done as to why there was the statement at the Arch “May These Gates Never Be Closed.” We explained that if they were closed we would probably be at war and not friends anymore.

As I watched the parade of participants march through the archway I felt a true sense of pride and well being. The flags were raised simultaneously (the announcer made it very clear that it wasn’t a race) and as the anthems were sang tears ran down my face. I was and am so proud to have been part of such an amazing event and hope that it will continue for many more years. Despite what these two neighbours may think of each other, for me that moment was filled with a profound sense of peace and true patriotism for my country and that of my neighbour. Sometimes we don’t like the guy next door, they may annoy us or ignore us but more times than not we need each other. Hopefully, at the very least, we can respect one another.

Be Careful What You Wish For

My husband is a geek. He loves technology, science and is very cutting edge. I get the “glazed over” expression many a time when he is talking to me but quite honestly, a lot of it is beyond the comprehension of my tunnel visioned, child focused, Mommy oriented brain. He is extremely frustrated because no matter how hard he tries to introduce new sites, information and the world of podcasts to our friends no one is interested. I must admit, for the most part, I am rarely interested…until recently.

I am a very busy woman. I volunteer far too much, look after the administration for our family business and am a SAHM of two kids and all that entails. I do not need more things to occupy my time. I tell my wonderful, persistent husband this, but he continues to try and draw me into his internet world. A couple of months ago Rod sent me a link to Twitter.

Being that I spend a lot of time in our home based office by myself my Twitter friends have become my co-workers. I’m a social gal and need interaction. Being stuck in a home office for hours during the day by myself is comparable to nails on a chalkboard, tinfoil on fillings – you get the picture.

Twitter then introduced me to the wonderful world of podcasts. By chance I happened upon a tweet (Twitter posting) of a podcaster and her husband. This happened to be the Tuckers and their podcast The Tucker Tales. Their site recommends other podcasts to listen to and those podcast recommend podcasts and so on. But no, I couldn’t just listen. I had to start providing feedback to these shows. First it was an email or two, which led to a phone call, or two, or three, or four. Rod and I even had the opportunity to be a guest on the Barnuts! I have my shiny new iPod (compliments of Air Miles!), load it up each day and take my new found friends with me wherever I go. I have the Tuckers, and BUCKET with Corey & Jen, Barely, CJ & Dan (Love Long & Prosper), Wicked Good, Kids Wife Work Life, Desperate Husbands and my latest fav The Redboy Podcast. For any of the podcasters that may read this, thank you for the bright spot in my day, it’s a true pleasure and I thank you for all of the hard work you put into your shows each week. Because I’ve had a few glasses of wine it’s appropriate that I say “I love you guys!” For you non-podcasters out there check out these shows; you won’t be disappointed.

I’m sure I have become a thorn in this podcast communities side but I must admit, even though it is simply an acquaintance situation, I feel very much at home with this group of people and think they are one of the kindest, most helpful, fun communities I have had the opportunity to chat with.

Rod comes home from his very long days (tis pool & spa season you know) and I’m filling him in on the kids, school and the latest Twitter & podcast info. He’s still far more of a geek than I am and always be, but now, just briefly, he’s giving me the “glazed over look” and I wonder if he’s sorry that he sent me “the link.”

Accountable – NOT (yet anyway)!

Hell is paved with good intentions. I made the first step, I went back to Weight Watchers, swallowed my pride (and shame) and hopped back on the scale. I was up 16 lbs. of the original 30 lost. This was it, I was going to do it this month and at least be down 5 to 7 lbs. before the next “walk of doom”.

Reality check and fast forward 30 days. First part of the month was disastrous. Weekdays were good but weekends were filled with great friends, good food and yummy Pitt Lake special coffees and vino. Which basically counteracted all the efforts of Monday to Friday.

Towards the end of the month the weather picked up, I’ve tried to walk the dog a little more and tennis lessons have resumed. I like my food too much to give it all up so I need to move the body more. This past Thursday was d-day. Though I pretty much had been losing and gaining the same four pounds over the course of the past month, I thought for sure I could at least weight in being down a few pounds. NOPE – was up 1/2 a lb.

Though disgruntled I’m still plugging away. Managed a few walks today and a tennis lesson (oh yeah and snack and some wine!). I honestly still need (and more importantly want) to get this weight off but have come to the conclusion that it will come, in time. Some days I’m motivated, others not. As long a I’m healthy, moving and having fun it will all work out in the end. Rod tells me to quit worrying (he’s just happy ’cause the boobs are bigger when I am!) but we all have a goal and this is mine. This too shall come and I will be accountable.

Time to be Accountable!

Week One Update

Found that it was actually 19.5 lbs. I needed to lose based on first NAM (naked a.m.) weight. After one week, with Easter and a cabin visit included I’m down 3.5 lbs. It’s a start dear friends. This week I have a cold. Am I suppose to starve a cold or a fever? Hopefully it’s the cold!! Wish me luck and lots of willpower!

April 1, 2007
All right family, friends and whomever may stumble upon my lowly blog. Prior to my 40th I decided to get with the program and lose some weight. I rejoined Weight Watchers for the umpteenth time and made a commitment to myself, that this time, I would get to my goal weight no matter how long it took. It took awhile but I lost 30 lbs and made it to goal – that was 2 1/2 years ago. Since then, I still try and make my monthly weigh in because for me, it’s my check, my accountability. Unfortunately I haven’t done very well. Though I haven’t gained all of the weight back I am well on my “weigh” and have gained back about 17 of those 30 lbs. Most since Christmas (was that darn bake exchange!).I’m in total denial – the dryer has shrunk my jeans, my scale must be broken, I’m over 40 so it’s harder to lose, the weather’s been bad so I can’t walk the dog (’cause I might melt?!!!), I’m too busy to eat properly and so on. The bottom line is, I like food, I like my wine and late night snacking in my big comfy chair in front of the big screen TV has become a hobby! I need to stop the insanity!!!! Ice cream is not a food group (but don’t ya wish it was?)!

So internet friends you are my witness! I will be making a true effort to get back to my goal within the next two months and the fact that shorts & bathing suit season is around the corner definitely is an incentive! Wish me luck and check in occasionally to see how I’m doing!

The Other Side of Gaming

I’ve been going on and on about how much fun we’ve been having with our newly acquired Wii. The only downside has been the effect on our poor, old, aching muscles. Out of curiosity I thought I would do a search on Wii Problems this morning and came across this site. If sore muscles are our biggest problem with the Wii, we’re faring much better than the rest of these poor saps!

The Beheaded Bunny

We had a tragedy in our home the other night. Rod and I were playing the Wii (did I tell you we got a Wii and did I tell you how sore we are? That’s another blog!) and I felt a little tap on my shoulder. I turned around and all I could see was this poor beheaded bunny. My fatal mistake – I burst out laughing! Not a good thing to do to a traumatized 6 year old at bed time. We have fixed bunny and Briana is now full of tales of how her’ Bunny’s head fell off and has even written a book, complete with pictures, about her harrowing experience.

Things that make you go hmmm Update!

A Stranger in our Home

He couldn’t stand having to shave! The beard is back! Big cheers from all.

Burrito vs. Taco

Just for the record Taco Bell will be getting all of our future fast food Mexi business! I did not hear one word from our friends at Taco Time in response to my inquiry. Not even a generic send out of “Thank you, we have received your inquiry and a representative will get back to you shortly!” I even stopped by the mall and their menu still reads “Jr. Burrito”. Don’t be fooled parents of young un’s you are going to get a Jr. TACO in your kiddie meal not a Burrito!

Middle of the Night Visitor

The mystery has been solved, the little old gal across the street is visiting from NYC and is having some dementia paranoia. She actually came over and asked Rod where the police station was the other day! I ran into the “evil daughter-in-law” at a neigbourhood meeting and asked her if it was her Mom, etc. It was only then that she said that there were “issues” and that we should bring her back if she “escapes” again. Apparently they have had to hide her shoes because she “won’t leave home with out them!” For the record, she doesn’t leave home without her Amex card either! If it was me, I would be alerting the whole neighbourhood to my little gal’s condition. I’m still afraid she’s going to wander off and get hurt but who am I but the “lowly” neighbour. I’ve seen more concern from the “daughter-in-law” about her cats! (Okay cat lovers relax, I have one too!)

A Stranger in our Home

I brought the kids home this afternoon and the strange man below was in our house!  I took a double take, Brody looked on in horror and Briana started to cry!  Where oh where can our Rod be?

Things that make you go hmmmm!

Hello all,

Here’s a note I just sent to our friends at Taco Time. What are they thinking? Or is it just me?

My children love Taco Time and go occasionally for a special treat. There has been some confusion though over the kids meal. The kids meal states a Jr. Burrito but when we order it we get a choice of a soft or hard shelled taco but no burrito. When the kids look at the photos they are different. We are told by staff that this is the way it is, you get a taco, not a burrito. Why is it then, that the store advertises a burrito?? Tacos are hard for kids to handle. The lettuce falls out, they aren’t wrapped properly and end up having to eat the whole thing with a fork!! Previously we have received burritos, they were wrapped tightly and it wasn’t a problem. The store says they can’t do it because the tortilla is too small. If you’re going to advertise a burrito, give a burrito not a taco. Could you please encourage them to change their sign to read Jr. Taco?
Thank you!!

Here’s another dilemma to ponder…a few weeks back our doorbell rang at 2:30 in the morning. It was like one of those weird movies where the wife wakes up and starts poking the husband “Did you hear that?” We waited for a few moments and then the bell went again. Many of you know that we’ve started calling our neighbourhood the ghetto so no one was in a hurry to see who was at the door. Needless to say whoever it was didn’t go away. Rod finally went and opened the door and I could hear him talking while I was freaking out upstairs. Next thing I hear is “Would you like to come in?” Not knowing who it was I’m trying to whisper in a very loud way “NO!” Turns out it’s this little old lady who is trying to escape from her daughter-in-law. This poor gal was convinced that the daughter-in-law was either trying to do her in or have her committed. She had money, she had I.D. out the wazoo, passports, credit cards and even had a snack; some nuts (okay I know what you’re thinking!) and an apple that she kindly offered to share. She is 84 years old and asked to stay the night. When we refused she asked me to take her to a hotel. Not knowing her situation, whether she was on medication, suffering from dementia, etc. there was no way I was taking her anywhere. To make a long story short she finally agreed to let us call the police.

What were we to do? She probably is suffering from some form of dementia or early onset Alzheimer’s but she appeared very lucid and together. What if the daughter in law was really trying to cause her harm? How do you know? Especially at 2:30 a.m? I can only hope that the police can tell the difference. We discovered that she escaped from the house across the street. We don’t know these individuals well and to date the family has never come over to say anything to us as to what to do in the event she “escapes” again. Do I have a right to go over and ask or do I let it go? What do you think?