Dear Lucy

That is always the name I imagined the toothfairy to have. My son is coming up on 7 years and has been very disappointed that he hasn't lost a tooth. WELL THIS JUST IN...Today he was eating an apple and felt some pain. He asked me to wiggle his tooth. Yup its loose. He is excited yet a little apprehensive, understandably. He is afraid of feeling more pain. The tooth right next to it is wiggly too so I wouldn't be surprised if my son was sing all I want for my Birthday is some new front teeth.

Way To Grow D

I'm Sad

Most of the time I post about meaningless fluff and superficialness but today I feel I need to vent if you will about something that I find so frustrating.

I am lucky to be living in the area that I do. I live within the boundaries of a school that serves more of the affluent members of our fine city. Although this school is older and smaller than the ones I grew up in, it is clean, we have wonderful teachers and great opportunities for the kids to spread their wings. This last winter, they intaduced a new ski / snowboarding program for Grades 1 and 2 (Grades 3 through 6 have been doing it for a while). Although I was a little scared of sending my baby down a hill with nothing but a helmet and wrist guards, I thought it was a great opportunity. I paid the $129 and sent my young one of on a bus to experience gravity at its finest. If we couldn't afford it the school would pay for it.

A few months later I was at a baby shower where they were discussing the state of some of the schools in our city. Some of the ladies were student teachers and were telling us what it was like on the inside. This one girl was talking about a school in the NE (I don't know which) were they don't even have enough funding to supply themselves with paper or pencils for all of the kids. Luckily this year a company that she was working for to put herself through school, sponsored the school she was student teaching at. The company bought them all of the paper they needed and other school supplies. She said she was concerned about what the school would do next year when her company chooses another school to sponsor (spread the wealth I guess) its not the like the parents in that community can do it.

Fast forwars to 3 weeks ago. My school (the one my son goes too) was having a milestone birthday party. Because of the party, they suddenly received thousands of dollars in extra funding to give the grounds and insides a bit of a face lift. Yes the new awards shelf looks lovely (much better than the old yet satisfactory one) and the grounds are better for maitennace (less watering, and mud tracking due to mulching and rock beds) but I can't help but wonder if that money could have been better spent. My son gets to go snow boarding for a week while others kids, not too far away are lucky if the have a pencil and a piece of paper to practice their printing and spelling.

Now I wouldn't be so upset if my school was a private school with private funding, but it is not. As I understood it the school gets a certain amount of money for each child they have on record by the end of September (an idea that I don't fully agree with) so why does my school get all of this "extra funding"? Of course I am assuming enrollments are about the same, but I think they are higher in the poorer school. I also understand that parents in our community can afford to buy their children the supplies they need, were that isn't the case for the other school. Yet how can their be such a difference.

When my son was younger the philosophy was to shop around for the school you wanted your child to go to, but throught school closers and consolidating enrolments are high for the capacity of the school. D's teacher said they won't be able to take any children out of the school boundaries for next year. She even said that included the children already attending who live out of bounds. There are at least 3 or 4 kids in D's class that this will affect. That sucks!

I wish there was something I could do. Some way to give more balance. This is our kids' futures I am talking about. Its really important, yet I don't know what to do or where to start. I wish I had more ideas. I wish I knew influential people who wouldn't mind parting with some money for the sake of our children's and countries future. But who am I? A stay at home mom who knows no one and although is extremely frustrated, is still grateful she lives where she does, because if it was somewhere else I think I would be more frustrated.

Banana From Heaven?

Today Dakota went out side and found a banana, still in the peel, right by our front door (actually our only door). The funny thing is I needed a banana for a shake I wanted to make. I'm scared to eat it though, I don't know how it got there or who it is from. Wired.

14 In 14

A week ago in Palmyra NY, my sister and her boyfriend got engaged. They had been talking about it for a while and even booked facilities but made it official with a ring last week. The thing is they are getting married in 14 weeks. In 14 weeks! Now I know the day is not about me, but to know that my ever widening but is going to be immortalized in photographs has me on edge.

I know I am not obese, but I know that I'm not happy with how I look. So I decided to do something. Yes I've been going to the gym for a year but lets be honest. I average about twice a week and I recently found out that I wasn't working myself hard enough during those work outs, plus I don't eat right. I had decided to join a weight loss group, but found that I can't afford it. Before all you interneters start writing me about how can I not afford it, I'll give you the math. We have two children (4 people) living in Calgary on about $2000/ month and I'm not exaggerating. We make it by with some creativity. Anyway how can I justify spending the kind of money to join a group when I can't feed my kids (and my kids don't have an over weight problem, actually its quite the opposite)? So this is my plan and my request. I want to loose 14 lbs in 14 weeks. I'm telling everybody and I want them to hold me accountable, please don't sabotage me (you know who you are). If you are eating a treat don't offer me some. If you see me going for a treat stop me!

I have chosen a low fat / low calorie eating plan and I will be exercising at least 5 days a week (cardio and strenthening) I will be posting my daily food and exercise journals on a new blog along with some recipes. I want encouragement and positive affirmations. I believe that is important. If I fall, pick me up. I've done well for the last day and a half but I have 96.5 days to go.

Thank you

I'm Late! I'm Late!

Today as my family was getting ready to go home from church, a lovely girl who has three weeks left in her pregnancy asked me if there was anything she could do to help labour along. I laughed and then told her that of all people to ask I was the wrong person. I went 11 days late with my oldest and 9 days late with the other. Both times I didn't "start" on my own and had to have a proceedure to bring about labour. What can I say, my kids are a little attached to me. I hope I don't have this problem when they are older and it is time to move out, but I digress. She proceeded to ask another couple and was met with somewhat the same response. To my delight I found another person who goes over her due date, but maybe its genetic because she is a second cousin.

So what I was wondering was how common is it to go over your due date? How many of you have? Was there something that you tried to do to enduce labour? And how successful was it (the thing you tried)?

Thanks

May The Fourth Be With You.

Did you get it? Aren't I punny? I was going to say "May The Fourth Be With Me." but then it looses it's affect when the phrase isn't said properly. As we all know I'm all about properness. Then again I just gave you all a "religious" blessing and since non of you are practicing Jedi, you are probably all offended. I guess my properness flew out the window, where my two boys are about to be chucked out of. Before you get your ceremonial robes in a knot, I live in a basement suite, so really I'm just rolling them on the ground.

May be its all the extra sun we are experiencing but they cannot stop picking at each other and it's driving me crazy. I'm not going to say I never did this as a child, I'm sure I did, but at least my parents had a house with a basement(to muffle sounds of our beatings) and a back yard for us to get our wiggles out. Since a house is not an option, especially in this market, I am calling on all supreme beings and midichlorans to help me keep my sanity, That is why I was going to call this "May The Fourth Be With Me."

Never Let Me Go

As you may have noticed, on the side of my blog, I have a section called "From The Wonderland Library". Its been up for a while. Anyway I just finished this book called Never Let Me Go. I was reading it for a book discussion our women's group was having, but unfortunately it had to be cancelled. I decided to finish it anyway. Now that I am done I wanted to discuss it, but as I said before the discussion group was cancelled for this particular book. So I have decided to write somewhat of my thoughts about the book. Unfortunately, most of you, if not all of you, have not read the book so I cannot give too much away.

The author is Kazuo Ishiguro, better known for his Book Remains Of The Day. I didn't have any definite expectations going into this book so I don't know why I am surprised at all by how it turned out. Although I haven't read the Remains Of The Day, I saw the movie and this book left me with the same sort of feelings I had at the end of the movie. Mr. Ishiguro write in a conversational way that, to me, seemed pleasant yet at times I found very slow. Kathy H., the main character, is sharing with us her memories of growing up and experiences that happened after she left school. Because there is a lot of "jumping" with her memories, I found it hard at times to keep things straight, but isn't it that way when anyone shares memories with us. All in all, I did enjoy the book. It wasn't one of my favorites and it did leave me wanting for a different ending. Although I would like all things to be neatly tied up like a Jane Austin novel, this book wasn't that way. The ending that the author chose was probably the correct one for the story. I guess this is something I will have to get used to as I mature in my literary reading. I give this book 3/5.

May Day! May Day!

Someone stole our flames car flag. My youngest sprayed deep woods off in his eye and fell down the stairs. He is having a rough day. My oldest was very sad about the car flag and started to cry saying "This is my life." Its enough to break your heart.

Shake Shake Shake, Shake Shake Shake, Shake Your Bottle

About a week ago we got our own Soda Shaker. After about four tries and watching the instructional video, it worked. Yea! Now we can make our own pop. Our problem was our pop tasted like vinegar. But now it doesn't. Its all in the technique

Chicks and Chocolate, A.K.A. Hen Party

Tuesday, jenthemom, Beautyshop momma and I visited A day in the life of a blonde. We went to her house for a last hurrah before her baby came. There was brownies and no bake cheesecake for the two prego ladies and Veggies and crackers for the two who were not. Actually it didn't work out that way. I have no will power. I think I could almost eat anything in front of me, its some sort of oral thing. My solution is not to be around it, but I have to eat sometime.

Now back to my story...

We went there to pamper the blonde and ourselves. Pedis, manis, and waxing were on the menu, but we were laughing so hard we forgot (plus there was food). Its probably a good thing too because who can paint a decent toenail when your doubled over and imagine trying to wax. Waxing is serious business; not for the lighthearted. So what if things didn't go as planned.

I think the blonde secretly wished all of the laughing would induce labour. Nothing! I feel bad for her she seems so uncomfortable. I do hope it comes a week or two early. The babe should stay in there just long enough for the lungs to finish developing and then out it should come. Unfortunately for me it didn't happen that way for me. Both my kids were a week + overdue. I honestly hope that doesn't happen to the blonde. However I have a bit of a confession to make. Most of the time I secretly wish pregnant ladies to go over one week. I don't want anything bad to happen, just that the gestate a little longer. I know I'm a sicko, but misery love company, or I just want to be more normal. Just to make it clear, I don't want the blonde to go over. She is miserable enough already.

So here is to a bunch of women getting together, talking about sex, and eating chocolate. Oh look my husband is shaking his head over there in the corner. I bet he wishes he had mental "earplugs". Oh honey you know I would never ever talk about us;)

I Want To Ride My Bicycle, I Want to Ride My Bike.

One Week Ago

E: "Can I have a bike mom?"
Me:"Not right now."
E: "Can I have one for my birthday?"
Me: "Yes possibly."
E: "When is my birthday?"
Me: "Not until August. It is a long time."

E: "Dad can I have a bike for my birthday?"
Dad:" Yes but that is a long time away."
E:"OoooKaaaay."

Six Days ago

E: "Can I have a bike mom?"
Me:"Not right now."
E: "Can I have one for my birthday?"
Me: "Yes possibly."
E: "When is my birthday?"
Me: "Not until August. It is a long time."

E: "Dad can I have a bike for my birthday?"
Dad:" Yes but that is a long time away."
E:"OoooKaaaay."

Five days ago

E: "Can I have a bike mom?"
Me:"Not right now."
E: "Can I have one for my birthday?"
Me: "Yes possibly."
E: "When is my birthday?"
Me: "Not until August. It is a long time."

E: "Dad can I have a bike for my birthday?"
Dad:" Yes but that is a long time away."
E:"OoooKaaaay."

Four days ago

E: "Can I have a bike?"
E: "Pleeease can I have a bike? I want to ride like D."

Dad "Maybe we should look in the bargain finder"

Dad finds a bike pays for it only to find out its not the size that was advertised. Its too big. Not to worry, we can put training wheels on. So we go purchase some training wheels. Can't get them on because the frame is bent. Crap we are out $45.

Fast forward to today

We return the training wheels and buy a new bike with training wheels already attached. Then we buy a helmet and a bell.

E:" Dad can I pleeeeaaase ride my new bike? Can I please ride it now?"
Dad: "Not until after lunch."
E: " I don't want lunch I wan to ride my bike."
Dad"We could take it back."
E: "NOOOOOOO"

We ate lunch
After lunch it was time to pick up D. I tell him he can ride his bike to the school. On the way there he started singing

"E____'s got a yellow bike.
E____'s got a yellow bike.
He is riding it to school.
He is riding it to school."

I must say his maiden voyage was far better that D's was and I think I've taught him that if he is persistent enough, he can wear me down to getting what he wants. Now what am I going to do with this other bike?

In Heaven There Will Be No Phones

For those of you who hadn't heard about my previous phone bill problems check here. Well guess what we have been sold again. This time my cell phone bundle with home phone has been separated like twins from birth. Yes This time they billed us wrong. I fell a little bad for the customer service guy who called me this to time see if I was happy with my service (he is probably thinking open can worms everywhere). He managed to calm me down but really is it that hard to get a bill right? The thing that gets me is right after we went line by line and discovered yes I do need a credit he asked me if I wanted to make automatic preauthourized payments. Are you kidding? Why does that always happen? Why do they offer me something that would cause me more frustration in moments like this. How much longer would it take to get my money back? All I have left to say is that whe I die there had better be ESP or something instead of phones.

The Heat Is On

I am not much of a sports freak but just so you know...
Calgary won their first playoff game.

Lets Go Flames, Lets Go! Woo Woo.

Come On Baby Light My Fire. Try To Set The World On, FIRE!

I started writing this as a comment to Fourth Fret's Pyro post but I had so much more to say.

I am a pyro too. My mother threatened to burn me herself if I ever had an unsupervised open flame. The best was when I wanted a night light, but didn't have one, so I used a candle, but instead of a pillar or votive they were birthday candles and instead of being in a cake they were tied to my wooden bunkbed. I was 4 or 5 and my dad was supposed to watching us. Just as I lit the match, my mom pulled into the drive way. I got scared and dropped the match on my mattress. Somehow we managed to get through it without burning down the house or bed, just a black quarter size spot on the mattress and a burned thumb. Obviously the consequences were not big enough because this spawned many similar instances over many years. Maybe that is why my mother finally threatened me. Ok it is the reason why my mother threatened me.

The funny thing is I am afraid of fire.

Rollin' Rollin' Rollin' Easter Weekend

I don't usually like wasting food. In fact I blame most of my weight problem on this very fact. I don't know when I go to be this way. I remember as a kid never finishing my meal and not caring much about it. My father hated wasted food, still does. Maybe the constant nagging to finish my dinner, when I was young, got stuck in my head and has made me the human garbage disposal I am to day. That being said, I do have certain criteria under which I find it acceptable to waste food. One of those being Easter.

Growing up my family coloured eggs like everyone else. My mom used the vinegar, food colouring and boiling water method. My husbands family bought kits. I've learned to accept that neither way is better than the other. After colouring the oldfashioned way we tie dyed our eggs. How you ask? Get the kit I say.

Anyway now back to my wasting food. It has been a tradition in my family to hike up the closest hill and "roll" our eggs down them. I don't know why we do this or if there is some symbolism in the act but guarenteed you will find us on a hill somewhere launching eggs. It takes some practice to learn the technique that will enable your egg to not break (my egg is still whole). We have contests to see who's can roll the farthest and who's can remain whole the longest. My kids and their cousins had fun, and my dad ate his broken egg.

Sunday morning was a different kind of day. We like to keep our bunnies and our savior separate. My kids did get their basket that morning just barely, because I forgot. In stead of focusing on the bunny we had our kids watch the DVD "Faith In Christ". Thankfully there isn't too much graphic depiction of the torture of Jesus, but I should have know my sensitive 6 year old would start crying. He comes by it honestly. I tried to get him to focus on the resurrected Christ but he was so sad that people could be so mean. We talked about it for a while and by the end of the day he was ok I think.

Monday was back to school and we met up with my uncle later. We had a basketball game at the mini hoops , so the kids could play and my husband could slam. Then we had pie. I like pie. My favorite part is the crust. I guess I could blame my weight problem on that too but I don't have pie too often.

I Can't Believe It.

I can't believe it I am in awe. I never thought that would happen. I bet he feels really stupid.

Happy Marriage 101

One of the secrets to our happy marriage is Date Night. Frequency may depend on the available cash but you should always make time for Date Night. Date Night should be sacred.

Some Less Expensive Ideas:

Renting a movie and wait till the kids are in bed.

Go for a walk (your heart will thank you)

Go for a dessert or hot chocolate

Sit in a book store and look at books

If you have a gym membership, workout together.

Visit a show home (safe for us because we don't have a down payment)

Have a picnic.

Play some cards


Here are some restaurants in the Calgary area we have liked:

The Keg- I had been craving steak for six months. It was about time.

Basils- You need a reservation and its packed but good food



As you can see we don't eat out much or we don't like many restaurants. I think its a combination of both. What are some of the things you like to do or places you like to go to?

The Signs of Spring

The weather has been warm here. My tulips have broken through their prison of soil. Rain has begun to fall. Girls have pulled out their sandals. Toenails have been painted. And yes, oh yes, today I killed the first mosquito of spring.

Link Heavy

Go David

Band/starwars Geeks

Know When To Hold 'Em

My husband and I have been enjoying watching celebrity poker on Saturday. So much so that we went to the local dollar store and purchased a set of cards and poker chips ($2 at your local dollarama). Before I get any gambling lectures, we are not playing for money. Well we discovered that Texas hold 'em is more fun with more than two people. Also we lack the smack talk that you would get with more than just us. I have also learned that I don't know when to fold 'em.
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My oldest rode his bike to school today (training wheels and all). This is a big deal. We bought the bike almost two years ago for his birthday. He rode it the first day and fell. Then he was too scared to ride it for the rest of the year. Last year he rode it twice; once at Grandma's, where the streets are even, and once in our neighbourhood. He fell in our neighbourhood and didn't ride it again until today. He did really well on the way to school not so much on the way back. He fell four times. He told me when he got home he wasn't going to ride it tomorrow. I say yes he is. Tomorrow he will ride his bike and he will get better, but tonight I will hold 'em
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My youngest just tried to leave the house in the funniest normal clothing outfit I have ever seen. He was wearing a t-shirt and shorts two different socks and swimming shoes. One sock was pulled up to his knee and was black and red with a flaming "C". The other sock was short and white. When confronted on his artistic choice of foot wear he said "Dad I like Mrs. Match socks." Tonight I will fold 'em some sock and yes I'll probably hold 'em too.

Rich Dad, Poor Dad, Blah blah blah

Last night, as we were getting ready for scripture study the following conversation took place.

Me: "I should do my financial home work tonight."

Husband: "What do you need to do?"

Me: "I need to finish Rich Dad, Poor Dad. I'm having trouble..."

My oldest: "Mom don't you mean Kingmen, Freemen?"

This may seem like an inside joke. That's because it is. Sorry. But of all the things to pull out of the Book of Mormon, the Kingmen and the Freemen. Too funny D.

Goodall, Jane Goodall

Right now I feel a little like the Jane Goodall of Sea Monkeys. For all of your sea monkey mating question look here.

Freaky Friday

Today has been really random and I have a few things that I want to post about but none go together so here is the generic version of Random Friday.

1. Do sea monkeys mate? Because if they do then wow. I have two that have been attached to one another for two days now. Not only do I find them creepy but now I'm a little jealous.

2. For those of you who don't have a T.V. (jenthemom) or live somewhere other than Canada (almost everyone else), There is this Scotia Bank commercial that has a slogan "You are richer than you think" they show people doing a happy dance after meeting their banker. Well my husband and I just found out our net worth. Lets just say No happy dance for us. The slogan for our bank should be "you are as poor as you thought you were Hahahahahha".

3. I didn't weekly weigh in this week because I am ashamed. Last weekend Mr. Wonderland and I went out for our anniversary, with our children, and pigged out. Sunday a lady made us a cake for our anniversary. We were to share with the marrieds class, but we were the only ones who showed up , so we ate the whole cake, over a couple of days but still. Then when I went to weigh myself today I found out the scale has been out and I actually weigh significantly more. I only thought I gained a bit. But wow. So now I don't know what to believe. I do actually know what to believe but I don't want too.

4. Mr Wonderland and I are officially no-longer "Young Marrieds". It was a bit of a rude awakening. I still have young kids, but I guess my crows feet have been shining through the spackle I call make up. Note to self get better make up. Anyway. We have been taking this marriage and family relations class at church. Every time the class is set up they have a couple who has been through more are a little older and can share their wisdom when there is discussion. Well the first day we went around the room and everyone introduced themselves and said how long they have been married. The average marriage length for this class is 3.1 years. Lets just say that its us who brings up the average. We have 2 couples who have been married under a year, one ~ 2 weeks. Ahh to only have wisdom to share. I do however remember our first fight. It was over a sandwich. I laugh about it now.

5. I just fed my 4 year old some pudding for lunch. I'm such a good mom. This should make up for the fact that I took their game boys away, for fighting, and hid them and can't remember where they are. Its been 2 weeks. I'd better go and try to find some fruit.

Have a great Freaky or Random Friday.

Alyson OUT!

And The Oscar Goes To...

For his inspiring interpretation of a Ninja , Clockstopper, Jedi, Wizard Superhero name Cody Banks. Lately my youngest has taken on every character in just about every movie he has ever seen and rolled it in to one. The only problem is my son does not break character. He constantly battling demon bad guys even during church. It was all I could do to get him to fold his arms during a prayer and even then there was some awesome high kicks to ward off any ankle biting evil beings. The thing is he wasn't being noisy. He was "shadow boxing" or "shadow hand to air combat". Regardless of what one might call it, almost all appendages were involved. That my friends is just a distracting as a child wailing as if they were having their arm cut off by a lefty pair of scissors. I did eventually take him out after trying to redirect attention and threatening punishment.

I love that he has such a vivid imagination and I don't want to crush it. It has to take a great imagination to remain in character for days on end, but not everyone wants to live in a movie. I must say that it is hard to find a balance on teaching appropriate behavior and fostering a good imagination. So far so good.

Anniversary, Schmanniversary

Is it lame to take your children along on your anniversary date with you? I mean if you child was a couple weeks or even months I wouldn't think so, but in my case they are neither. I have tried to get a babysitter for a week now and we are on our third one. I almost don't want to call because I'm afraid that the notice is too short. We already didn't get to celebrate on the original day but tonight looks like it won't happen either. So I'm putting it out to the internet. Is it lame to take your children with you?

I had envisioned for tonight a quiet escape for dessert and conversation. Nothing lavish. We have to cut back because Tim gave notice at work. If we bring the kids, there goes the quiet. Oh well I guess you do what you have to do.

:):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):)

Edited: Turns out babysitter #3 cannot do it either. Guess we are takin' the kids. YAY THEM. At least I don't have to run around like a chicken with my head cut of tidying up. YAY ME

Divine Secrets

Tonight we had our Relief Society Anniversary it was so fun (at least I thought it was, but then I planned it). Our Theme was The Divine Secrets of the ***** Ward Sisterhood. There were 3 phases (or divine secrets). First there was guess who (pictures of you when you were younger), Second there was Sisterhood Bingo, and third (the most fun of all) was to tell the truth. The ladies had to give me stories of them that no one (or very few people) knew about them. Then with each story I got 2 "liars". The three people were a panel and had to tell their story and answer some questions. At the end everyone had to vote on who they thought the story belonged too. I gotta say we have some pretty good liars. They were also funny too. I almost wet my pants. Anyway I was glad for how the night went. I'm just sorry that some people chose not to go. They really missed out. If someone didn't have a fun time I don't want to hear it because I thought it went well and I only want happy memories. Thanks to Mr. Wonderland (my husband) for helping me and supporting me. I Love You.

Weekly Weigh in #5

Start 158
Week #1 156
Week #2 157.9
Week #3 157.5
Week #4 157.1
Week #5 156.3

Net Loss 1.7 Lbs

Yahoo. I finally see some progress. Don't worry I won't let it go to my head and binge. I've got to go and drink my water now, Slosh, Slosh, and make a healthy snack.

TTFN

Deep Thought...

...With Alyson Handy. I don't know JACK.

1. If through some break in the Space/ Time continuum my younger me got to meet my older me, would my younger me be happy with the person I've become?

The Money Saver

People have been asking me for a while to share some of my money saving tips. I've finally broken down and started another blog. You can get to it through my profile or through the tea party or here. The address is www.the-money-saver.blogspot.com.

Weekly Weigh In #4

Start: 158 Lbs

Week #1: 156 lbs
Week #2: 157.9 lbs
Week #3: 157.5 lbs
Week #4: 157.1 lbs

Net loss 0.9 lbs

Wow this is going slower than I thought. I know I haven't been very good with my eating. I gave up pop, that was my treat, but I would choose diet pop which was 0 cal. Now I 've replaced it with somethings that are fattier and not 0 cals. I need to sit down and make a plan. I need to find a new treat and I need to not consume it so much what ever it is. Any ideas? And you better not say water because that is not a treat. I'm already sloshing when I walk. I think that I 've busted the myth that increased water consumption will make you lose weight.

Ch-Ch-Ch Changes

Well this was originally a comment I made on Devynn's blog and I thought it was kind of funny. I didn't have a post for today so I thought I would use this one:

I had a little talk with my boys about body odor. I know it's silly, but I thought if I started now talking about changes that will happen when they get older, it may be easier to talk about the hard stuff. Well it kind of back fired because now they sniff my armpit and tell me I need to shower. It's a bit of game to them.

I just thought I would let you know why I have changed my banner to the cheesy wedding theme. This month is my anniversary. I had a hard time finding St. Patrics Day and March maddness pictures so there you are.

Being A Domestic Godess

When I was in University, I found a book my grandmother gave to me when I was a year old. The book was called The Fascinating Girl. The author also wrote Fascinating Womanhood. We would sit around, a group of girls and I, and read it an laugh. Its been a long time so I don't remember many particulars. What I do remember was there was a chapter on setting the mood/ how to catch a man. It invovled lighting, but not in the way you would think. You were to cast a rosy glow about the room by throwing gauzy pink material over the lamps. I may have remembered this wrong but can you say fire hazard? The book contained ideas more like this but pertaining more to being a girl and how to catch a man. I would look it up to confirm my impressions but I cannot. I had left it at the institute between classes and someone must have needed it more than I did because it was gone by the end of class. Maybe she is getting invited to all the fancy parties.



And yet again spell check on blogger is not working.

There Is A Fine Line...

...Between witty and the babbling ooze that is verbal vomit. Today I was at a birthday party for a friend. In knew two people and felt pressure to be funny as the hostess has always thought I was funny and said I was the entertainment. As I was throwing my quips around willy nilly, I found I was getting mixed response. I reached an all time low as I turned the discussion to toilet paper. The hostess has five or six- ply cloth like cashmere for the bottom. I enquired as to where she would obtain this quality paper of high thread count. Others became intrigued, mentioning their experience with substandard textures and roughing it with one-ply when I chimed in stating "yes and oh the fingers". As I was saying that, I was thinking stop now. You do not have to say everything you think (and yet I'm typing it and putting it on the internet for all to enjoy). Of course at the same time I was gesturing the mess on the hands (nothing vulgar). After the shocked looks I realized I should leave. No wonder I am never invited to classy parties.

Ethan Wants To Type

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I Would Like To Take This Time To...

Frankly people I am feeling a little overwhemled but it is my own fault. I am in the process of planning an Enrichment night and I am presently taking a financial course and have been given a truck load of homework. I am a procrastinator by nature and I'm finding it hard to foresee anytime to procrastinate. I know its for my own good but... Oh just let me whine for a while. Pleeeaaaase.

I thought I was bogged down with the Enrichment event but now I have to read 80 pages, fill out questionnaire, read a FORBES article, Do the first two exercises in the binder, call a lawyer to get things started for a will, personal directive and power of attorney, pick a stock to follow and do the excursuses in another book all for next week. Okay I'm done whining now

Its not that I don't want to do this I really do. I'm actually excited but I am a little scared. It's a big leap for me. I am also wondering when I am going to find the time to do all this and still complete what I have already committed too. A friend, who is also in the class, was wondering the same thing. She has even more to do than I (so I couldn't whine to her) she will be MC at one of her sons meets this week. I told her if there was a lull in the competition she might want to spice things up with "Ladies and Gentleman I would like to take this opportunity to read to you from this article in FORBES." You know two dead birds one stone. You get the idea.

Anyway I think I am definitely going to learn how to manage my time better, but hopefully I will get more out of this than that.

Isolation and Lack of Education

To tell you the truth I can't believe I am weighing in on this because the last thing I want to do is give this any more publicity that it already has. Maybe that is why I have waited so long. I think there is some better way we could be using our time as educated women then battling between SAHM (Stay at home moms) and working women. We could be changing the world in the board room as well as raising kids who give a damn but no we (the royal femailian we) are wasting our time being offended by one another and never getting anything done. That being said I find it quite funny that a particular topic of The right to Education (aka Mommy Wars) and using it comes at the same time our Relief Society Book group discussed the book The Breadwinner by Deborah Ellis. It is about a girl growing up in Afghanistan under Taliban Rule. Deborah Ellis spent some time in refugee camps interviewing people there and the book is this result. Proceeds from the book go to refugee camps to set up schools for girls.

Now I know that most if not all have not read the book but one point I would like to make is that the Taliban were able to rule through fear. This was accomplished by isolating people and taking away their education. You can not communicate with the outside world because you are isolated and you end up relying so much on the regime because you are uneducated. When the Taliban were no longer in charge of Afghanistan things didn't get better because there were so many uneducated people. No one to stand up an lead.

I think we all agree that everyone (including women) should be educated and we never ever see it getting this bad, at least in North America, but it is amazing how quickly it can slide. Before the Soviets tried to enter Afghanistan they were a thriving country with running water and education. Now they are in total chaos. Be grateful for the feminist movement and that you have choice and instead of bickering we should be helping those achieve their ability to choose. Isn't it amazing what one little children's book can make one think of.

Weekly Weigh In #3

Start 158 Lbs

Week 1 156 Lbs
Week 2 157.9 Lbs
Week 3 157.5 Lbs

Net 0.5 Lbs

Funny This post should come after Fat Tuesday. Hehehe.

FAT TUESDAY

Just so you know I will almost do anything for beads. NOT! (whoa flash back). I have never celebrated Mardi Gras because I have always thought of it as an "adult" party. I never understood how a day of confession led to a carnival of debauchery but I guess you got to have something to confess before Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent. But this year I have decided to jump on the band wagon and have a bit of my own sharpified party.

I was looking for ideas on what to do that would be kid friendly and I came across this. So feel free to donn a mask and join me in my virtual party. I have also come across a recipe that you can use to make beads for your own beaded necklace.

What ever you decide to do today have fun. Tomorrow is the beginning of Lent (if I understand correctly). I'm not catholic but It would be interesting to me to see if I could give up a vice for 40 days. I don't know what I will give up yet but I think pop should be at the top of my list. Wow that sounded a little "eat drink and be merryish".

It shouldn't Be This Hard

I have finally reached the point where I look forward to working out. I no longer detest going to the gym or pulling out my pilates DVD. Hooray for Me! To bad the fates are against me today. Fog, snow, cold, child, and a lost DVD remote have made it next to impossible. I guess I could march around my tiny tiny livingroom for 20 min, but I'm afraid I will collapse from the dizziness because it is that tiny. Boo hoo for me. Well at least I want to do it; that's some progress even if my clothes don't know it.

I won't be weighing in today because I haven't a scale at home. Maybe if I'm lucky I'll do it tomorrow.

TTFN

Because We Are A Church of Inclusion

I know I've stated it before but my boys are funny. When they listen their father and I, which can be rare, they really listen. Today I noticed that a family who hasn't been to church for a while was there. I asked D and E if hey could help their friend K find his way to Primary (Sunday school). The next thing I saw D and E were gathering everybody that looked like they were their age. "Come on guys lets go to primary. Follow me I know the way." It was so funny to see the little posse head to primary. All of them made it and with out any adult guidance (I followed from a distance). Not bad for two kids that are distracted by...Oh look something shiny.

Can I Get A WOOT?

This last week something that I have been meaning to do for a while and a goal of my sons' got completed.

I have a rather large pantry, some might be envious and I truly love it. The pantry is definitely one of the reasons why I am staying where I am for a while. Although I love my pantry, like all pantries , it needed to be cleaned out. People it took 3 days of scrubbing, purgingand organizing and it is finished. Now I need to put my kitchen back together.
******
This past week my sons have achieved a goal. Last May their friends got gameboys. They too wanted gameboys. I refuse to buy my sons something for almost $100.00 to be thrown around their room and stepped on. After all they are only 6 and 4. They know I am a mom open to negotiation so we agreed they would have to earn the money. That meant they needed to find a job that they could do to earn money. They collected bottles. It took until just last week plus some Ralph money for them to achieve their goals. We went to a pawn shop in Calgary and my sister in law went to one in Lethbridge. They both have gameboys and they only spent $60.00 each. They had enough money to get two games and we picked up the last game yesterday. They stayed pretty focused. Thank goodness for the Ralph money though. That put them over the top. They were starting to get discouraged, who wouldn't May to February is a long time especially when you are 6 and 4 I have to say I'm really please with them.

Whats a WOOT anyway?

Psycology for Beginners

the Questioner Test finished!

you chose CY - your Enneagram type is SIX. "I am affectionate and skeptical" Questioners are responsible, trustworthy, and value loyalty to family, friends, groups, and causes. Their personalities range broadly from reserved and timid to outspoken and confrontative. How to Get Along with Me Be direct and clear. Listen to me carefully. Don't judge me for my anxiety. Work things through with me. Reassure me that everything is OK between us. Laugh and make jokes with me. Gently push me toward new experiences. Try not to overreact to my overreacting. What I Like About Being a Six being committed and faithful to family and friends being responsible and hardworking being compassionate toward others having intellect and wit being a nonconformist confronting danger bravely being direct and assertive What's Hard About Being a Six the constant push and pull involved in trying to make up my mind procrastinating because of fear of failure; having little confidence in myself fearing being abandoned or taken advantage of exhausting myself by worrying and scanning for danger wishing I had a rule book at work so I could do everything right being too critical of myself when I haven't lived up to my expectations Sixes as Children Often are friendly, likable, and dependable, and/or sarcastic, bossy, and stubborn are anxious and hypervigilant; anticipate danger form a team of "us against them" with a best friend or parent look to groups or authorities to protect them and/or question authority and rebel are neglected or abused, come from unpredictable or alcoholic families, and/or take on the fearfulness of an overly anxious parent Sixes as Parents are often loving, nurturing, and have a strong sense of duty are sometimes reluctant to give their children independence worry more than most that their children will get hurt sometimes have trouble saying no and setting boundaries Renee Baron & Elizabeth Wagele The Enneagram Made Easy Discover the 9 Types of People HarperSanFrancisco, 1994, 161 pages You are not completely happy with the result?! You chose CY Would you rather have chosen: AY (EIGHT) BY (FOUR) CX (TWO) CZ (ONE)

My test tracked 2 variables How you compared to other people your age and gender: You scored higher than 0% on ABC You scored higher than 53% on XYZ

Link: The Quick and Painless ENNEAGRAM Test written by felk on Ok Cupid, home of the 32-Type Dating Test

Oh Please.

I think I 've done too many of these.

Your Celebrity Style Twin is Jessica Simpson

Flirty, feminine, and fun.

Who's Your Celebrity Style Twin?

You Are Trinity

"Touch me and that hand will never touch anything again."

What Superheroine Are You?

Weekly Weigh In #2

I feel like I should preface this by all the excuses I can think of, but the fact remains I didn't do well this week. Just like anyone who has tried to change themselves you have ups and downs. The fact that I haven't seen the inside of a gym since I last weighed myself (I don't have a scale at home) may have something to with my lack of progress. I have however done two sessions of my pilates so its not all bad. Here are the numbers:

Start: 158
Week 1: 156
Week 2: 157.9
________________
Net -0.1 lbs

Like Beauty shop momma I'm back at the beginning. I am resolved to do better this week. I too had too many cinnamon buns. My mom made them I couldn't turn them down.

Mommy Wars

Today I was watching Regis and Kelly while giving myself a good pedicaure. Trust me I needed it, my heels were like velcroe on my yoga mat. Anyway I saw aomething that upset me a bit ok maybe a lot, a lot more then it probably should. Good Morning America is going to delve into the dark world of the Mommy Wars, like we need more help judging one another. The were saying things like "Is it really true that Stay A Home Moms are wrecking it for those who want to have careers?"

Pardon Me but I thought the womens movement was about choice and giving each other that opportunity. Just be cause I have been freed from my domestic slavery doesn't mean I have to go out and work. Isn't that a slavery of another kind if you don't have the choice to stay home?

I haven't seen the article so maybe I'm just making a big deal about nothing. I just wish we could leave the moats in our neighbours eyes alone and worry about our own beams. Fueling the fire isn't going to make things better.

That being said I have smoother heels and lialic toenails now and Jenthemom won't be gossed out the next time she sees me.

Family Day

Isn't it nice that we celebrate families. I think they created this holiday for the same reason they have reading week in university. For what ever reason family day was created I for one have enjoyed this bit of a break and am looking forward to today. Instead of rushing to get ready for school we are currently sitting in our PJs and playing Nintendo with the neighbour boy, This won't last for a long time but its still fun. Later we will get dressed and go visit my sister at my parents house. After that I don't have much planned but I would like to take in some free skating at the Olympic oval. I guess we'll just play it by ear. Have a Great Family day or Presidents Day. Read ya when I get back.

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Edited- Well we never made it skating, the visit with my sister took up more time than I thought. We did go out for dinner. The boys got a free dessert. Things like that happen to them all the time. Our money pit turned out not to be as bad as we first thought, thank goodness. So we are not as far off schedual as I thought we would be and we still have to buy a new freezer but thats for another time. Hope your weekend was great.

The Money Pit

You know when your like working on paying of some debt, and like something comes up that takes a lot of money. Money you like had plans for and stuff. That like sucks ok.

It So Cold It Makes The Head Spin

Thursday and Friday are teachers convention so I have both kids home. Monday is Family day so D has an extended weekend. I had planned to go out or have friends over but its so cold. Yesterday with the windchill it was -40 C(F). Yes an interesting bit of trivia for you but -40 is the same in both units. I have to admit I'm a little disappointed because I wanted to do so much but I consider this a blessing as well. I can't imagine trying to find rides for D and trying to get him to school. That would suck. So instead, today we are having a dance party. D just made his first attempts to do some head spins. He gets a quarter of the way around before his legs come down. Cool. I better go because my solo is coming up. TTFN

I'm Gonna Dress You Up In My Love or What Was I Thinking? Oh Yah... SEX

My husband and I are not ones to make a big deal about Valentine's Day, because our anniversary is a month away. Actually tis my husband. It took me 4 years and a threat to buy my own flowers. The next day I got 2 roses from the gas station; one from D and one from him. In his defense his family doesn't make a big deal about "secondary holidays" or birthdays for that matter. Combine that with someone who counts down till the next reason to celebrate, you are bound to not have your expectations met. It takes some learning and communication and some time. I think we have now struck the right balance. Anyway... back to my story.

My first idea to mark the occasion was to send my husband down a iced over water fall while laying on a small sled (aka the luge, the ultimate in tobogganing). Truly, I thought he would like it. Unfortunately the timing was horrible so that idea fell through. It fell through the night before go figure. So what was I going to do to celebrate this day of lovers? Sex should make up for it and its cheap or so I thought.

I went to my drawer and found my sad collection of lingerie. I decided that just wouldn't do so I showered, shaved, makeuped, self tanned, did my hair and packed up my four year old son and took him to the mall to find something that would be appropriate.

I went from store to store looking at things I could add to a "shag bag" and possible "out fits". I stayed away from the adult stores because I am a bit of a prude (which makes me wonder why I am typing this). I found out it had been a while since I had shopped for lingerie and my body is just not the same as it was when we were first married and no amount of self tanner is ever going to make it better.

Last year I was bra fitted and found out I'm a 34 long which means I'm in the land of limbo. Average stores do not carry the cup size required when I bundle my load and plus store don't carry my band size. I need a specialty store and by specialty store I mean expensive. Its at least $100 dollars more for an extra 2 - 3 inches of fabric. This fabric was weave by the fairies themselves at least that is what I tell myself to justify spending $125 on one bra. That is why I thought if I go to an average store and buy extra large for something that isn't going to stay on long, I'll get it for cheap.

Strike two. I won't scare you with the details, but I will tell you there is a sales lady that gets too personal and my 4 year old son is going to need therapy because I read somewhere that cognitive memories begin at age 3. At least he thought they were swimming suits but when he realizes what was happening I'm going to be blamed for him going to jail and living life in the fast lane. Then I'm going to need therapy. All I can say is what was I thinking? I walked out of the store without a purchase and we had a candlelight dinner with the boys and early bed because my husband has to get up at 4:00am to get to work by 5:00am. I wish I had remembered that I would have focused on making a great dessert like sex in a pan at least the pan would have been happy. Despite all of this I did have a good Valentine's Day. I think I'll just not worry so much about it and put more effort into our anniversary.

Appeal Anamnesis #11

Appeal

I was having a hard time deciding what form of appeal to use. On one had I could list all of the things that appeal to me and write about one of those. I find chocolate, a clean house, intimacy with my husband, my red bike and trips to Waterton appealing. On the other hand I could write about times that I have had to appeal to higher authority. The latter has not occurred very often because I was a "good girl". I do however remember a time I made a supplication to a superior.

I was 19 and moving out on my own. I wanted to break free, to cut the apron strings, so to speak. In my zeal I forgot to plan. I knew everything would work out. IÂ’m an adult. I can make it on my own (with my roommate). One thing that is required when one moves out is money. I did not have a job, and no damage deposit. Neither did my roommate. Looking back now I wonder how the property manager approved us but he did.

To get enough money for the damage deposit I had to sell my clothes to my parents. I was a bit of a "clothes horse" and I think they thought that I would back down if I had to sell my clothes. I was determined and the transaction was complete. I am sure my mother cried that night. I was her oldest and I was leaving.

I began my job search I had two weeks to find a job before rent was due. I applied for a telemarketing job and was denied. I was told that if I called in a week there might be something for me. The job paid ten dollars an hour, to me that felt like millions. I continued my job search but I really wanted to be paid lots of money. I said a prayer and asked my maker to please help me get this job. I phoned and got an answering machine. I hung up and got some paper and prepared the massage that I would leave. I figured it was ok because telemarketers have scripts they have to follow.

I got the job. I went two days and only made one sale. I was not doing well by their standards. I was not having fun either; in fact I hated that job. I knew I wasn't going to quit but I needed too. I got up and went to the bathroom and made a second appeal to my Heavenly Father. I told him that he was right and that I did not belong in this job. I also said I was not going to quit because I had begged for this job. To put it plainly I asked God to fire me.

I returned to my desk and was about to sit down when I was summand to the bosses "office" and told I wasn't what they were looking for. What a sweet release.
*********************************
For some reason with these topics come songs in my head. With this one came "You CanÂ’t Always Get What You Want" and with Remedy came "Bad Medicine".

Weigh in week #1

156.0 lbs.

Goal: lose 10 lbs
Achievement: 2 lbs
_____________________
Yet to go: 8 lbs

This Just In...

According to a recent pole, women don't Want chocolate or flowers for valentines day. 52% want sex. This may be good news for those men who have a tight budget, and I stress the may, because that means there is 48% who want something else. What is it you want for valentines day?

Just wondering if there is a pole out there saying what men want for valentines day. I don't think a cluster diamond heart pendant will do it for my man but unfortunately that's all the commercials are advertising.

Chocohalics Anonymous

Last night was our chocolate dipping class for enrichment. I gotta say it's alot more messy than I had imagined. Thank goodnes people wash their hands. I think the two best parts of the evening was when the little grey haired ladies were talking about going into a liquior store in mexico to get their flavorings. The second best part was watching our librarian, the Bishops mum, lick her hands clean.

Eany Mememy

I thought I had escaped this one but apparently I needed to vaccinated against this idea virus. I'm doing this under duress so don't think I'm just going to answer any old meme that comes along.

Four Jobs I Have Had:

Instead of telling you 4 jobs that I have had I think I will tell 4 jobs that I applied for and in some way or another it didn't work out.

1. McDonalds - as some of you know I applied to this job on 3 different occasions. Once when I was 14, again when I was 16 and finally when I was 18. On all occasions I was never hired. Some have tried to comfort me by telling me I was over qualified. Thank you for your concern but I think I'm fine now. In case of relapse I think I should start a support group. If there is anyone out there who has been rejected by McDonalds, please let me know. I may need to call you some time. "sniff"

2. Chucky Cheese- A place where a kid can be a kid or so the slogan goes. I was hired by them and got my uniform, but got a "better offer" from someone else so I quit before my first shift.

3. Ginger Beef Peking House- I was hired as a hostess. I worked one shift and thought I did pretty well. Unfortunately I didn't speak or write Chinese. The cooks all wanted their phone orders written in Chinese. So I was let go. At least that is the story I was given. I just have one question do I look like I can speak Chinese? If that was a criteria don't you think that you would have put that in the ad?

4. Suzy Shier- Yes I was one of those girls. Hey What's Suzy Wearing? Anyway this is where I learned that if management valued me then I worked really hard. If management didn't treat me well I was less motivated. This is the job that I performed my best and my worst. At the top of my game I would be on the national list for sales and at my worst I was let go over the phone.

Four Movies I Could Watch Over and Over:

1. The Princess Bride
2. Pride and Prejudice (with Colin Firth)
3. Nothing to Lose
4. Anything Star Wars (mostly because I have to watch it over and over again)

Four Places I Have Lived:

1. Provo Utah- conceived and Born there

2. Edmonton Alberta- Where I did most of my growing up. Despite what others think I liked living there even though now my neighbourhood is the hood.

3. Calgary Alberta- Where I have spent most of my married life

4. Lethbridge Alberta- Where my second child was conceived and born.

Four TV shows I Love:

1 How I Met Your Mother
2. Yes Dear
3. Tool Time (sad when that one left thank goodness for syndication)
4. As for Dramas It’s a tie between Medium and House

Four TV Shows I Detest:

1. The Family Guy-The pop culture jokes are funny but not enough to make me watch the raunchy show.

2. Fear Factor- Should be called gross factor

3. Commander and Chief- I don't care if they’re trying to groom the American public for Hilary to become President. I'm just plain “politicized” out by celebrities.

4. The O.C or any other "teen drama".

Four Books I Would Recommend:

1. Harry Potter- any in the series but I would start in at the beginning; it just makes sense.
2. The Chronicles of Narnia
3. The Lord of the Rings- make sure you got some time to read that series it may take a while.
4. Lloyd Alexander Books- I can't seem to think of a name right now.

As you can tell I am an "immature" reader. That is ok because I still get the story and fewer adults content.

Four Places I Have Vacationed:

1. Waterton National Peace Park- My Family used to go there every year. Not so much now. It's not well known for the shopping, but if you like mountains and hikes with less commerciality than Banff, then this is the place for you.

2. Kimberly Idaho- My mother grew up there and we used to go visit once every five years. Unfortunately I don't know my mother’s family that well.

3. Preston Idaho- There seems to be a theme here, but my husband's father grew up in Preston so we have reunions there. Surprisingly enough my mom and my father- in- law grew up 2 hours away from one another.

4. Interstate 15, highway 89 to Arizona. Took pics on route 66 and stayed in Mesa. Our “honey moon” was a lot of driving and storms in the canyons.

Just so you know I have never been on a plane. I would really like to go somewhere that you can’t get to by car.

Four of My Favorite Dishes:

1. Steak Dinner at the Keg

2. Dinner at Basils in Marda Loop- I can't remember what I had but I know it was good food, crowded, but good food. Make a reservation.

3. Spinage and Feta Stuffed Chicken with steamed asparagus and wild rice
4. Subway- The best place to get sub sandwiches. One of the only things I could keep down when I was pregnant.

Four Sites I Visit Daily

1. www.alysonslife.blogspot.com -because the blogs I read are linked to my site.
2. Weather
3. Yahoo.ca – my email
4. Hotmail.com –my enrichment email


Four Places I Would Rather Be Right Now:

1. In Hawaii- you can't get there by car
2. Massage- I have never had one professionally but I think I would like one.
3. My Very Own House- I am tired of renting in a place that is too small for me.
4. Shopping- I think I have an addiction. At least I'm not always spending money.

Four Bloggers I'm Tagging

I don't think I'm going to pass this on because it took too much time for me to answer. Sorry the chain stops with me.

Chocolate

I made this new song up hope you like it.

"Chocolate, chocolate chocolate, all I want is chocolate chocolate chocolate. "

Keep repeating it over and over to any tune you like. I don't know if there is something wrong with me but I want chocolate and its not even hormonaly based.

"Chocolate, chocolate chocolate, all I want is chocolate chocolate chocolate."
"Chocolate, chocolate chocolate, all I want is chocolate chocolate chocolate."

I'm The Apprentice

I don't worship the ground she walks on. I'm just using her and that's a good thing

I Didn't See My Shadow, But The Sun Wasn't Up Either

Happy Groundhog day everyone. Balzac Billy, the closest thing we have to a groundhog, has just stuck his head out and he didn't see his shadow. According to legend that means less than 6 weeks of winter. Excuse me if I take the position of a skeptic but this is Canada. I'm going to curl up in a cozy blanket and watch my movie.

Conclusion

I am making my attempt at the weekly anamnesis #9. I had a good story for invitation but I’m a procrastinator so I’m stuck with conclusion.

I used to visit M.J. once a month for a short period of time. She had a great sense of humor and wisdom, both of which she didn't mind sharing. One day during one of our visits, we got to talking about children. We discussed the ups and downs, the times you wanted to pull your hair out and the times that made parenthood all worthwhile. This particular visit was the winter before my eldest was to enter kindergarten. She told me, "Alyson, don't take this time for granted, soon your children will be in school, and the world will get them for the best time of the day."

About a year previous to this conversation I heard the story of a mother. She was telling her daughter that she was the most beautiful girl in the world, when a lady overhearing their conversation said, "You better stop telling her those things, aren't you afraid of giving her a swelled head?" The young mother replied, "When I send her in to the world, people will tear her down. It will be harder then for her to believe me when I tell her she is special. I am just getting a head start on the world."

I have been conscious of these two thoughts in my mind. I have used them as a standard for the type of mother I want to be. Although there are times I have lost my temper, I have tried to build my children up. I have tried to give them the confidence they need. I have tried to not take my time for granted. I haven't always been successful, but there is a glimmer of hope. Last Sunday as my boys were getting ready for church, I told my youngest that I thought he looked very nice. With his hands on his hips, he stated, "Well I am a handsome little boy." Then he turned and laughed his head off.

Although I'm not always doing what I like, I have come to the conclusion that I'm not doing that bad.

Just To Let You Know

Last night I was talking with a tenant about the abnormal weather we were having. "It is starting to feel like March or even April and the buds were coming out on the Lilac bushes", I said. I mentioned that I was worried about the bushes and conifers because history dictates a cold wet snap. Mother Nature must have heard our conversation because she crapped snow all over and its -11C (12F). Just to let you know it is January and it is still winter.

Its Not A Right Its A privilege

On Friday I saw a swimsuit fashion show. This wasn't an ordinary fashion show. They had women of different body types and ages. That was the good part. Then they brought out the bikinis. The MC said all women should be wearing bikinis. Then one by one they marched out in their bikinis. Although they didn't look half bad, I still think wearing a bikini isn't a right its a privilege. I just like my load properly tied down.

Time For A KIT KAT

I am needing to take a small break from posting for a while. I will be back I just don't know when. TTFN

I'm Sorry. So Sorry

It isn't much like me to fight with my husband in public much less publish it on the internet. I should have put it in my own private journal for only my progeny to see long after both of us are dead. I am apologizing to my husband for exposing our dirty laundry when he didn't know we had any. He left for work and didn't know how I felt.

I instituted chore Saturday about a year ago and get some support in it. Every Saturday I think we will do better. I think that we are going to get up and push through the first 2 hours of the morning and clean the living room and vacuum. Clean the bathroom and the kitchen. Make beds etc. Lets just say this has never happened. But I digress.

Instead of building up my private army by venting to all the world, I just should have expressed my frustration to my husband and asked for his support or developed a compromise. It was very disloyal of me. For that I am truly sorry.

Edited: Why is it ok for women to do this to our husbands. If they were to do this to us, they would be up crap creek. I used some pretty harsh lingo that I never even use when we are fighting face to face. I will be taking my Stupid Saturday post down.

Weather and Politics

It has been said that when one is starting a conversation with someone they should start with the weather. Its safe and easy. Nobody gets offended if you have a differing opinion about the weather. Take for instance my husband and I. I like the occasional really hot day but my favorite temperature is around 25C (77F), my husband would like a whole summer of low to mid 30s. (mid 80s to mid 90s). For me that's just too hot. Neither of us get upset when our temperatures aren't maintained.

Politics on the other hand, not so safe. Friendships can be broken, and fist fights can happen. I think this is because politics deals with a persons morality, their values and belief system. When people disagree, they tend to believe that these values are being attacked.


Unfortunately I prefer to talk politics. I have inherited the desire for debate. My family get togethers always have a discussion on the state of the Union or Confederation. Although we tend to all agree there is always some one who likes to play devil's advocate just to see my uncle and aunt get all stirred up. There the discussion is all in fun.

That being said I am torn at the outcome of our election. Our country did take a step to the right as Karen said, but I fear that this government will get little done because it is a minority government. Its no secret that I tend to be conservative in my views. Some of the promises that the conservatives made I was looking forward too. I was looking forward to having a choice for parents on child care. I was looking forward to having the GST dropped. I was looking forward to some reform in the way of elected senate (I don't like the idea of any party putting in their own yes men). Now I fear that these things won't happen, because of the tight leash that the greater Toronto area put on them. I can understand they were scared. I think that they were feeling the same things I feel every time the liberals got into power. Scared they would make policy that attacked my values. At the same time I cannot understand how they can try to put a party in that steals from them and believes they are entitled to do so. I never thought Canada would elect a majority Conservative Government, but I also think there were some good policies that Canada is missing out on because of our fear. Policies that would unite Canada instead of having this perpetual East vs. West and everybody against Quebec attitude.

Well Canada we have had two minority governments and I believe they won't be the last. And in the famous words of my friend Dale "Two wrongs don't make a right, but three lefts do" This is funny on so many levels.

By the way we have been experiencing some abnormal weather, maybe there is a link between the weather and politics.

Can We Really Achieve Perfection?

Well I had planned the perfect Sunday dinner and we sat down to eat. The sandwiches turned out great but the Caesar Salad not so much. I managed to feed my husband contaminated Caesar salad. We discovered it before my kids ate it. I had the salad first and thought this tastes different. Then Tim had some. He thought it tasted funny too. I kept eating while he checked the bottle. Our dressing had expired. Gross. What a waste of romaine lettuce. Lettuce is expensive.

Anyway, I'm sure after the post on Saturday my husband would have been thinking Es-tu Brute? I'm in the clear because I had the most.

Beef On A Bun, The Perfect Sunday Dinner

Sunday Used to be my day off from cooking, except for the occasional dessert or side dish. Now that my in-laws have moved, I have to cook again. This has taken some getting use too because I admit it I am a creature of habit. I don't like change unless I can see some major obvious benefit for me (like a new couch). Well this year church is late and that means food is late and believe me we are all starving when we get home. So as soon as I am done typing this I will go prep dinner. It should take 5-10 minutes to prep and then I'm done for the whole day. So here is my recipe. I hope you enjoy.

3-4 pound roast
1 1/2 cup ketchup
1 pkg Onion soup mix
1 tablespoon chili powder
3 tablespoons vinegar
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
2 teaspoon mustard
1 teaspoon minced garlic

Place in crock pot and cook on low for 10 to 12 hours, or high for 4 to 5 hours. Serve on Bun and with a side of Caesar salad.

Its not all black and white, its shades of grey and cream and a little hairy.

Who ever designed a white bathroom ought to be shot. Then they should take the mold that that person was made from and break it and then they should kill the man who made the mold.

I have white tiles around my bath tub and hard water. I have use CLR kitchen and bathroom, vim, Mr clean, Tilex and a numerous amount of other things to try and get those water spots off. I have even taken a scotch brite scrubber to it. I am in desperate need of help. Is there anything out there that will cut through this scum and how can I prevent it from happening again. I swear it is driving me crazy. The fact that I have cream grout with white tile does too but I fix what I can or at least in this case try.

Sweet Ride

Today I drove the boys to school because my neighbour was unable. Normally I drive her van (7 passenger) and I am not nervous. I learned to drive in a Dodge Ram (15 passenger). Can you picture a 15-year-old learning to Parallel Park in what some so lovingly call a huderitte mobile.

Anyway, today I drove her dad’s car. A 2005 Toyota Sequoia V8 Limited edition. This time I was nervous. It’s not the size that scares me it’s the cost. Ever since “Luminagate”, I’ve been a little leery of driving other peoples cars. Somehow I managed to enjoy it though. About five minutes into the drive my butt started to get warm and its still tingling at this very moment. Although it costs more than I feel I will ever be able to save for retirement (a whole other post) it sure would be nice to someday have a vehicle that can maintain its own environment.

By that time everything will be standard on the vehicle, or my kids will be laughing at me because the cars they want will drive themselves and maintain temperature.

Sowing The Seeds of Love

Today I order my free seed catalogs. They help me beat the winter blues. Its also fun to grow seeds not found at the local walmart. For Canadian Seed catalogs I sugest the following and also here. As for American Sites the one I really like is this one

Happy Gardening!!

Bad Poems

Yesterday the boys and I did a treasure hunt and at the end we made chocolate chip cookies. Thanks to Very mom for reminding me to spend more time (fun time) with my kids. Here are my poems

Its time for a game, hope you enjoy. Look where you would put your toy.

In order for you to get your next clue, there is something mommy needs you to do. Pick up ten toys and put them away. Hurry up so we can play.

Here is your next clue, pay close attention, look where mommy likes to relieve her tension (my bed).

You boys were so quick. You are very smart; look for your next clue where you would find your cars.

In order to get your very next clue, pick up ten more, it’s the least you could do.

You’re near the end of our little game, if you enjoy this we may do it again. To find your next clue, don’t underestimate its worth; look where we keep our little earth.

Wow, you were fast, aren’t you having a blast, look for your next clue, this isn’t your last. It may be located where you would lay your head, and if its not done please make your bed.

This is the final of all the tips. When it’s first on the lips, it stays on the hips. Look where we keep the chocolate chips.

You have done well with all of your lookies; lets go make some chocolate chip cookies.

Thank You Monsieur Martin

I believe when the election was called, Mr. Marin said that he was upset with the conservatives and the NDP because they had stopped crucial legislation that was already in the works, one of which was the Energy cost Benefit.

Yesterday, I looked into my mailbox and found a cheque from the government. I thought this is early to be getting my child tax benefit and we have already received our GST cheque so what is it? I opened it to find a cheque with a note attached that said,

“As a recipient of the National Child Benefit Supplement,
you are eligible for the enclosed Energy cost benefit (ECB)…
blah blah blah.”

I would just like to thank Mr. Martin for rushing this program through so I could receive my cheque just before the election next Monday. That was so kind of you. I can’t help but wonder about the timing though, are you trying to buy my vote?

Take This Job and Shovel It

Today was a nice day. Snow had been falling since last night so the city was a blanket of white. My eldest saw the neighbour boy shoveling and asked if he could shovel our walk. Of course I let him. He and my youngest were having so much fun. They even shoveled the other neighbour's walk. She came out and paid them a quarter each. They were so excited. They never thought that one could make money providing such a service. Seeing an opportunity they began shoveling the snow on the lawn. Too Funny.

Renters Wanted.

I've just taken on a job as a property manager for xyz properties. I have shown the 3 bedroom main floor of house to many people and have many applications. What I want is a family of 3 or 4 reliable Non- smoking, positive credit. I do accept cats with a deposit. Unfortunately I get singles, sketchy guys, first time renters, and people with no credit. The people I have talked too have said that there isn't much out there and are eager to get this place. So if there isn’t much out there, I ask where are the families?

The Lab Called Your Brains Ready

I See Dead People

Ok I don't really, but I do think my house is haunted. It is a noisy old house, but I can't blame the creaks on the utterance of my name. Yes twice this past week I have woken up to the sound of someone calling my name and when I go check on everyone they are all asleep.

Oh Yah, if I don't lock my front door, it opens all by itself.

I'm Not As Hot As I Thought

After that de-lurking plea, I feel a little bit like a comment whore. I thought maybe I would have been a Comment call girl (a little more classy and expensive) but it turns out I didn't get as many as I thought (comments that is). So I guess I'm cheap and easy after all. Or...

You just got yourself a heck of a bargain.

Alyson and The Terrible horrible No Good Very Bad Day

I went to bed with my door shut, I woke up with a mouse in my room. I haven't caught it yet. I can tell it is going to be a terrible horrible no good very bad day.

Word On The Street

Word on the street is that this week is "International De-Lurking Week".So if you stop on this site, you need to come out from what ever rock you are hiding under and leave a comment. Comment about anything. Next week you can go back to lurking. I know I will.

Compliments of Paper Napkin

English Debate #2

Now before you go running away saying oh she is getting all political on us, I promise to keep it short. Last night was the last electoral debates before our Federal election on Jan 23. Now I confess I didn't listen to the whole thing, I have somewhat of a life. Anyway the part I did hear kind of surprised me. Paul Martin said he wanted to change the Charter of Rights to remove the "Not withstanding clause". I have to confess that the idea scared me. The idea that Judges, who are an unelected smaller group, reigning supreme. What happened to the voice of the people? What if Judges make mistakes, although they are smarter than me they are still human. Lets look at a not so good decision from the past. A B.C. judge said it was ok to posses child porn but not ok to make it or distribute it. It was Mr. Sharpe's Right to posses it under freedom of expression. That would be one I would want overturned. No child porn whatsoever. I would think that was a no brainer.

Also does he not know that he needs all 10 provinces to agree before an amendment can be passed. What was he thinking? OK now that I have got that out of my system.

Said and Heard

This is how the conversation went this morning.

I said, "What do you want on your toast?"

(What he heard) "What do you want on your toes?"

He said "Polish"

I repeated, "What do you want on your toast?"

(What he heard) "What do you want on your toes?"

He repeated "Polish"

Seeing that this wasn't going anywhere I changed my question.

I asked, "Do you want polish on your food?"

(What he heard) "Do you want polish on your foot?"

So, he said "yes"

Only in the English language.

The fact that I have a son that likes to wear nail polish doesn't matter. I pick my battles.

What Is In A Name? part 2

For all you pregnant ladies out there who are looking for a name for your babe to be check this out. Crazy "Utoids". I can say that because I used to live there.

Casanova

Yesterday my husband and I went on a date. Our usual MO is a movie. One of the perks of working for a theater is free movies. We couldn't see as many as we do otherwise. Last night was no different. We saw the movie Casanova with Heath Ledger and Sienna Miller. It was not what I expected. It was funny and a bit predictable but what romantic comedy isn't?

I enjoy going out with my husband and I am glad after 8 years of marriage we still enjoy being alone together and work at being so.

Ding Dong The Witch is Dead.

Who knew that I had a portal to another world right in my own home. The portal I speak of isn't a wardrobe, a goblet of fire, or a pair of ruby slippers. No, it is my freezer. My Frigidaire, heavy duty, industrial grade, freezer. I thought It only held 5 cubic Ft, but apparently it is a gateway to Narnia or another land where the White Witch reigns. In my freezer it should be a realm that is always winter and never Christmas, but alas Aslan has come and so did the spring thaw to my freezer. Normally I would be on the side of Aslan, but this is a consequence I did not foresee.

Oh well. Instead of celebrating the death of the Witch with a nice heaping bowl of ice cream, casualties lost in the war, we had a dinner of salmon and steak.

Everyone Has The Right to Complain or Do They?

Did you vote in the last election? Did the outcome of the last election go your way? Are you happy with how things are being run in your country? Will you vote in the next election? Do you vote along party lines?

If you didn't vote what right have you to complain? Obviously you didn't care enough about "it" to get off your butt in the first place.

So get out there and vote, even if your particular vote won't make a difference in your riding, at least you have earned the right to complain. After all that's what we Canadians do best.

Nighty NyQuil.

In the year 2006 I resolve to: Take over the world. Get your resolution here

One Pillow at a time. I'm SO tired.

Planning Ahead

Just so you know, You have 360 more days until Christmas. TeeHee.

Making Memories

Holidays are a time for families and friends to make memories, some good and some not so good. Although the holidays are quickly coming to an end, (D goes back to school on the 9th) here are some of the memories that we have made.

Taking a walk around the temple on Christmas Eve.
Seeing the flat bed of a semi truck loaded with about 50 carolers singing outside the retirement home in Cardston. Coolest thing I have ever seen.

Sunday service on Christmas Day, So simple, and yet, so powerful.

Opening presents after church. My kids were so patient even if their Uncle and Aunt were not. You know who you are.

Opening up my flute. I was truly surprised. The best kind of surprise. Tim finally did it. I never expected it.

Rushing back home and seeing my family on Boxing Day.

The reinstitution of the Leavitt Christmas Basketball game. We are so out of shape.
Beating Tim at HORSE and 21. Never done that before.

So sad when Tim had to go back to work to a job that he HATES! Thanks for working so hard Tim so that we can have the things we need and I can stay home with the boys. You deserve an award.

Being board out of my mind because Tim wasn't home.

Craving chocolate and not having any around to eat. Smelling my husband's breath for chocolate because I know he had some.

Getting Sea monkeys in the mail.

Beating Brad H. at the first tournament of spoons.

Giving up at 11:00pm and realizing that I am old on New Years Eve.

Sleeping in before church.

Thinking the Sea monkeys are dead.

Finding four sea monkeys alive and swimming. We didn't kill them after all.

Narnia. We went together as a family and now my "Sons of Adam" are enjoying a game of Mario Kart with their father. Isn't life great.

10,9,8,7,6,5,4,3,2,1

Happy New Year!

May 2006 be better than 2005.

My Top 5 Christmas Songs

This last month I have experienced or have been bombarded (bomb-bard, get it? Bard, being a musician, ok not so funny) by Christmas songs. I think I have heard 6 different versions of "Santa Baby" including one orchestral version. Who knew? After weeding through the junk (because everybody and their dog does a Christmas album) here are my Top 5 Christmas Songs for 2005:

5. "White Christmas" Bing Crosby. A classic and since we didn't get one, I was dreaming of a white Christmas

4. "Baby it's Cold Outside" The Elf version. I'm particular about the version as the Simpson Lachey version is lacking. He holds his own but here voice is too wispy. Its a jazzy song it needs a clear voice.

3. "Little Town" Cliff Richard. Amy Grant did this song too, but I like his version better.

2. "Breath of Heaven" Amy Grant

1. "O Holy Night" Lee Greenwood. Not everyone can do O holy night but this country bumpkin can.

I'd like to give an honorable mention to "What Child is this?", and "Last Christmas" by Wham. What can I say I'm a child of the 80's

I'm back

So as you can see it is all fixed now. Maybe I'll try again to change it later. TTFN

Change Is Good?

In a quest to change the look of my blog, I was trying to find a template that would be easier to change to my own. Unfortunately i really screwed up so I choose a different template and lost all my links. I have my old template saved and will ad my links later. Please don't think I have deleted you all for good. You will be back. I just haven't the time right now.

A Theory Of Relativity

My father has a theory. I call it a theory of relativity because first he is a relative and second, time is relative. Although Time tends to be passing at a constant rate, our perception of passing time varies. Remember when you were a kid and everything took so long to get too. One year would seem like ten. He believes that the younger you are, the faster you are moving and the slower time passes. As we age we tend to slow down. We don’t have the energy of our youth thus we move slower or we are unable to maintain a high rate of speed or energy expended for long periods of time. For example take the same period of time, one year, to the older person it only feel like a few months.

This theory would explain why my kids every morning are saying “Is it Christmas yet?” and as I reply “no.”, I am thinking, “Thank goodness”.

The fact that I have some Christmas presents under the tree already doesn’t help either.

I Know Lilith Married Fraser, But I Wouldn't Know Her From Adam

Yesterday I was reading "The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe." To my boys and there was a couple of lines where the Beavers were explaining the origin of the White Witch. They said that she was a descendant from Lilith, Adam's first wife. I’ve been hearing a lot about Lilith and I know somewhat of the "mythology", but what I want to know is where she came from? Does she have any religious basis in apocrypha or was she cooked up by the women’s movement? This would be highly unlikely since CS Lewis wrote this book before the women’s movement.

One Little, Two Little, Three Little Grey Hairs

I was looking in the mirror the other day and I notice this grey hair sticking straight up. Thats the thing about grey hairs they are a little more wirier than the others. At first I wasn’t quite sure that it was a grey hair. The lighting in the bathroom isn’t that great, maybe that us why I never noticed it before or could it be I haven’t colored my hair for 6 months. Anyway, as I was scoping to see if it really was a grey hair, I found 2 more. I thought I should stop there. Now I have one grey hair for every year I’m over 30. (I’m in my 33 year). I look for the fourth one next year.

Do The Litterbug

Today while we were walking home from dropping Dakota off at school, Ethan found some garbage. So we picked it up to carry until we found a garbage can to put it in. Just as we were having this teaching moment, this big grown man threw a coffee cup right into the street.

Thanks buddy.

What Is in A Name?

When my husband Tim and I were discussing names for our children we had some rules. We each had unlimited vetoes because we thought both of us should like the name and we didn’t want to name our child after any exes, just in case the ex should run into us and think we named our child after them because of one of us secretly pining over them. Needless to say Tim had more vetoes than I did. I guess that doesn’t matter because we had boys, but I digress. Another of our rules was that middle name would be a family name and we were to alternate between families. Next the name had to flow and sound nice; a balance of syllables so that it would roll off the tongue. I have heard of people testing this out by standing at the top of the stairs and shouting a potential full name to see if they can tolerate hearing it. Funny! As you can see we were really only concerned about the pure esthetics of the name. We never thought about how the name might affect their personalities.

Don’t get me wrong we looked at baby name books and meanings, but the names we chose we didn’t know their meanings until later. My oldest’s name means friendly. We thought that suited him very well because he is quite friendly. His kindergarten teacher said that he was a sweet sensitive boy that was concerned about everyone. "Snapps" for us we picked a good name that suited him.

Our second little boy is much more aggressive and physical. He loves having friends and always wants to play, but he likes to play his way. I guess you could say he is a little stubborn. Guess what his name means… steadfast and immovable. I hope that this characteristic will serve him well in his teen years.

Although we gave them their names before we found out their meanings, we managed to pick names that really suited their personalities. I can’t help but wonder did the name on some subconscious level alter their personalities to match their name? I know it’s silly to think that but what if they’re really was something in the name we give our children.

Twice Stood Up

Unlike jenthemom, my husband has been in town for the past two weeks I just haven’t seen him. Now don’t get your knickers in a knot, he’s not doing anything unseemly. He is just working and I guess I exaggerate when I say I haven’t seen him (he does come home to sleep). The thing that really gets me is that we were supposed to have a date Thursday, but he had to work. We were supposed to have a date tonight to make up for the date on Thursday, but again after making arrangements, he had to cancel due to work. I know he feels bad and is a little upset as well; I just can’t help but feel a little mad. I also feel bad for the babysitter we have called twice and had to cancel twice. Really who does that? Oh I know…me!

T – 40 Degrees and Dropping

Why do I live here? It’s cold, so cold. I’ve been through colder but knowing that the mercury isn’t as low as it could go doesn’t make me any more comfortable. We do have snow, not much, but some snow. I guess it is too cold to snow. Last week we were experiencing record highs of 20°C(68) now we are at -20°C(-4). The average for this time of year is about -5°C (23). I guess this is just Mother Nature’s way of averaging out. I think I’ll move to Australia either that or become a “sunbird” from Arizona. My husband would love that.