Day 9 of September

Memory: Ok, this memory is only a few days old - but WOW, Garth Brooks in Vegas was amazing. Sorry I meant AMAZING. Talented musician, storyteller, entertainer; down to earth. Just Garth and his acoustic guitar. Let me start at the beginning and only include the highlights:
Bill and I left Calgary on Friday, Sept 23rd for Vegas. We arrived at our hotel around 10:00ish; Had a quick bite to eat; a pitcher of margaritas and back to our room;
Saturday we walked the strip; picked up our tickets early for Garth; and did a little gambling. Saturday night we met Tracey and Henry at the Wynn; again we grabbed a quick bite (actually the service was horrible and the food expensive) and a quick drink (quick service, but expensive drinks). Then we headed into our show at 10:30 and for the next 2 and some odd hours, was thoroughly entertained. If it hadn't been so hot in vegas, I would have worn my new Garth Brooks hoodie. Then we headed back to our own hotels.
Sunday morning; did a little more gambling; hit the pool; and then made our way down the strip to the Monte Carlo. We met up with Tracey and Henry again and went to see the Jabberwokkie show. It too was very good. Then we walked over to the Hawaiian Market across the street and we ended up at a Kareokee bar (unintentially of course). Well that is where the night began. I did everything in my power to get the other three to come up and sing, and I almost had Henry convinced he could sing Johnny Cash. I sang my two favorites and we spent the rest of the night being entertained by everyone around us. We were sitting with a Charlie Sheen look a like (only when he had his hat on and his head turned a certain way.) It was 2:30 in the morning when we finally headed back to our own hotels again.
Monday morning, Bill's cousin Lora and Mike drove up from CA to visit. They stayed in the same hotel and we spent the next two days visiting and gambling. We left Las Vegas Tuesday night around 9:00 pm and was back in Calgary by 12:45 Wednesday morning.
I think it is going to take me months to re couperate. What a great birthday present and now I have one more thing to cross off my list - seeing Garth Brooks.

I have rejoined Facebook. Hopefully I'll be playing it smart this time. I have signed up at Maya Wee, so if you get a friend request or want on the friend list, just tag me. I won't be posting a lot of pictures, or sharing a lot of info (so I say now). But at least De will be able to keep me informed on what is going on in her life.........

I better get some paper work done because I plan on being in bed at 9:00 again tonight.
later
Stacey

Day 8 of September

Memory: Ok, so this memory is a day late - but I was a little busy yesterday. So let's pretend it is Tuesday September 20th (we don't have to relive it again). 50 years ago, Helen Zoback gave birth to the most amazing; cute, tiny and smart baby. (and apparently humble) that would mean that my mom was 37 years old when she had me. For the longest time, I used to think I had been an oops; then it dawned on me; Robin was only three years older than me, so she must have been the oops and I was the playmate. Too bad it took us til our 20's to want to play together!!!!! thank goodness we have each other now.
So my actual birthday day was wonderful. Received many birthday wishes from friends and family, and I didn't even have to be on Facebook to get them (not looking good for my Facebook re-instatement De) Got a surprising phone call my my cousin Ken in Grand Prairie. He is exactly 1 year and 1 day older than me. It was so nice to catch up and reminice. I worked in the morning, and then attending a funeral in the afternoon. Our dear friend Ray's grandmother passed away. This amazing lady was 99 years old - 1 month short of 100. Up until a few years ago, she was still living on her own; and maintaining her garden. A lovely, lovely lady and a very nice memorial.
Then last night my son Skyped me - for my birthday - one of the best presents. I just needed to see for myself that he was doing well and enjoying himself. Seems he's misplaced his razor charger, so the face was a little scruffy. He'll be home for Thanksgiving.

This morning was a catch up morning. Ran errands in the morning; work in the afternoon; bill payment and paper work this evening, and now I'm going to attempt to give myself a manicure.
If it doesn't turn out, I'll be visiting my nail lady early Friday morning.
Enjoy this great Wednesday - hug a friend and say hi to a stranger.
Stacey

Day 7 of September

Memory: 67 Years ago today, My mom's best friend, Lance Corporal Emily Buchanan passed away. She was 20 years old. She was training at an Alberta base, and the vehicle she was in, rolled over and she tried to jump out a window and the truck rolled onto her. Mom had talked about her friend many times, but today when I told her of the anniversary, she beganning filling in more blanks. Emily had just got married; Barry was 5 months old. I knew she had died at a base, but Mom didn't mention the vehicle accident. I have some pictures of Emily in my Family album. Emily and Mom were members of the CGIT. (mom used to call it, the Cutest Girls in Town).

So my 50 list is still ongoing. There are a couple more items that I should be able to cross off by the end of the month. There are a few that are dreams, but we all know dreams can come true so they are staying on my list.

The countdown is on for Vegas and Garth Brooks. I can hear him now. "I've got friends in low, places....." I am ready to be blown away.

Haven't heard too much from the son; he sounds like he is very busy (when we text). Maybe I'll hear from him tomorrow.

I am still having a little bit of Facebook withdrawal. I was taking some dishes out of Ashley's room this morning, and low and behold, she left her Facebook page signed on. Now I figured, "you leave dishes in your room - facebook page is fare game. " So I did what I had to do - and I'm hoping Ashley really does think she has the best mom in the whole wide world!!!!!! She's not home yet, so not sure if she knows about it yet!

I have invested in a new toy. I used some birthday money and bought a KoBo reader. So far I am liking it. A little more complicated than I anticipated, but once I figure out the library borrowing, it will be great. Right now I'm reading a non fiction book about Lisa and Laura Ling - two sisters; journalists and Laura's experience being held in North Korea - it was in the news a couple of year ago.
Anyway, now I am babbling - off to watch the new episode of two and a half men and then to bed.
Night
Stacey

Day 6 of September

Memory: Twenty-two years ago today, Anne and Brian were married!!! It is probably just as easy to remember their Anniversary as it is mine. Why? As previously mentioned Ashley was born on September 13th. On September 16th, Bill picked Ashley and myself up from the Foothills hospital and brought us home. We changed quickly (probably squeezed in a feed too) and headed to a beautiful wedding. We made it just before the bridesmaids started walking down the aisle. After the wedding service we headed back home for a quick nap (or I did) and then it was off to the reception in Chinatown. Ashley never made one sound during the ceremony or the reception. I'm pretty sure I wasn't very popular with some of the Chinese Grandma's for bringing a newborn to a wedding - or even for leaving the house at all. That is pretty much all I remember of the night, other than the fire alarm went off at the reception (from the cooking) and Ashley still never woke up. That must have been where she became immune too loud noises and to this day, she can still sleep through most alarms.....

Sorry De for not discussing the Facebook decision before I acted. We might actually have to go back to the old fashion way of......sending emails!! or we can chat through Skype (with or without the pictures) I hope you will c.c. me all the details about the puppies or maybe you should just set up a blog for them..hmmmm.

And in case I haven't told them yet, Happy Anniversary Anne and Brian!

One week today til my date with Mr. Garth Brooks!!! And it's also about time to review my 50 list and see what's still left! I'll be happy with a 50% or better result.

Off to clean!
Stacey

Day 5 of September

Memory: It was 4 years ago today we lost a very special man; Wesley Yuen. Both Bill and I had gone to school with Wes; I, in Elementary school and Bill in Junior High school. Then after high school, through mutual friends, we reconnected. Wes passed away way to young. He had married later in life and had a very young son, whom he adored. RIP Wesley.

I did something yesterday that I didn't think would ever happen. I closed my Facebook account. Don't get me wrong, I loved Facebook, mostly for looking at pictures and playing games, and staying in touch with good friends and family. Then I realized I already stay in touch with these same people through phone; texting and my blog. I was letting my emotions get the best of me when reading some comments; so the best choice for me was to get rid of Facebook all together. The nice thing about a blog is, I can voice my opinions; I can whine and complain, and if people don't want to read it, they can just delete the email. I have added a couple of new people to the mailing list; Having said that, if there is anybody on the list that needs or want to be taken off (sometimes too many emails can be frustrating), please don't hesitate to let me know. The blog can be accessed withough being on the mailing list. Trust me, my feelings won't be hurt (just my pride - just kidding)

So I'm not sure why I am up so early this morning, oh wait, maybe going to bed at 9:00 pm is the reason. I am finding I am getting more done during the day and I am ready for bed at a decent time.

Off to work this morning, then hopefully a relaxing afternoon, that might include a dip in the hot tub.
Have a wonderful Thursday.
Stacey

Day 4 of September

Todays memory! Actually I have two; the first one goes back to 1989. I had woke up in the morning with more contractions. We had been to the hospital the night before, but sent home for the usual reasons. Around 10:00 am my brother-in-law, who worked for the city at the time, showed up for coffee. I was in the bathroom trying not to scream, and Bill was chit chatting. I calmly opened the door and suggested he ask Doug to leave. So much for keep the labour a secret!. We headed to the Foothills hospital and it was a long afternoon. They gave me an epidural (twice as the first one missed) and the evening continued on. One of my biggest regrets was having the epidural because I couldn't feel a thing, I had difficulty pushing Ashley out. I remember Bill kept hoping she would be born soon, as he had a golf tournament the morning of the 13th. Ashley must have wanted to please her Dad, but shortly after midnight (or there after) she made her entrance into this world. The first words out of Bill's mouth and the doctor's was "Look at those dimples!" ( and I think that was the right side up!) That memory would be hard to top for the day.
On September 12th, 1999, we were at a Flames game in Calgary against the Montreal Canadians. I don't remember the outcome; I don't remember where our seats were, but I'm pretty sure I was watching Harvey the Hound; my usual hockey past time.
This past weekend was pretty quiet. Bill spent most of the weekend over at his brother's, helping build a shed. Then he'd come home, clean up and head out to golf. Ashley worked all weekend, and so I accomplished a lot of stuff that I never got a chance to do during the week; laundry and vacuuming.....
Looking foward to a much quieter week.
Later
Stacey

Day 3 of September

This blog is dedicating to remembering. Of course the most poignant remembering right now is ten years ago, Sept 11. As the Alan Jackson song says "Where were you when the world stop turning. I remember I was in the kitchen cleaning up, and as it was happening, I was wondering how the teachers were going to explain this horrific incident to the students. I can remember wondering if there was anyone I knew who lived in New York! I remember feeling proud when I heard some passengers on a plane were fighting with the high jackers. I remember wondering how evil someone could be, to kill so many innocent people and how they could believe they were doing it in the name of some God!. After a few days, I remember thinking, this happens all the time in other countries, and now because it has happened in a place that is so close to home, I have much more compassion for what is going on "all over the world!" Prayers, wishes, positive energy and forever gratitude to all the hero's that day.
I have other memories to share as well. Finally the "stocking saga" is over for Mom. I took her Friday to get her final fitting and her new socks. She was so pleased. It is shocking how much time has passed since the first time she was fitted for her compresion stockings. The first time, she put on her "rubber" gloves and got those stockings on in no time at all. Yesterday, she ran out of steam before she even got the first stocking up to her heel. She was a little dejected that she was going to have to call the ladies in to help her put her stockings on. Of course it wouldn't be an outing with mom without going for a meal. She wanted Chinese Food (at 3:30 in the afternoon) I wasn't enthused at the time, but by the time we made it through rush hour traffic from the SE to the NW, it was 4:45 - and I was hungry now too. Mom was having a craving for a Chi Chi - they remind her of her one exoctic holiday to Hawaii with Dad. So without hesitating, as soon as we sat at our table, I ordered one. Not going to lie, it sounded very appealing - but one of us had to drive. Mom took one sip, and the smile on her face was worth any reading she might get on her diabetic blood check!! (It didn't help that she was having chinese food and she had an orange slurpee when I picked her up.) I spoke to Mom this morning and her reading was high, and she was a little tired today - but I still think it was worth it - she's 87!
So I'm waiting for a skype call from the son. I heard on the news that there was an earth quake just off the coast of Vancouver Island. I'm not too worried, as his Facebook message said he didn't even feel it - and if there was one, it must have been caused by all the partying! Oh great - something else to worry about. The day before there was a first year student at Acadia University that died of alcohol poisening. He was registered in the same program Patrick was going to attend at Acadia. There are angels out there....
So I'm hoping to dedicate some more blogs to memories. I've gone through some of my memorbillia and will try and write about them when they happened. If you have any memories to share, feel free to put them in the comments.
Remember to give a big hug to someone you love. And live for the moment!
My moment to clean is now!
Later
Stacey

Day 2 of September

How many Waterloo students does it take to change a lightbulb?
FIVE - one to design a nuclear-powered one that never needs chabnging; one to figure out how to power the rest of Waterloo using that nuclear-light-bulb; two to install it; and one to write the computer program that controls the wall switch.

How many UVic students does it take to change a lightbulb?
NONE - Llava lamps don't burn out man!!!

Little University humour as Patrick and some of his friends are off to a brand new world. Patrick left this morning on a 8:00 am flight. Poor guy had three suitcases to lug around. I hadn't planned on coming along, but Patrick asked me Friday night if I would come to the airport too. As Bill and I were driving home, I realized I don't think Patrick packed a blanket - he had a matress cover, sheets, pillowcases, towels, but no blanket. When I talked to him this evening, my sympathy quickly disappeared. Seems it's so hot there, he is running his fan already! I got a skype message earlier that he'd already made some friends in his res. One from L.A., one from Oregon, one from Vancouver and another from interior B.C., although they are originally from Ireland.
So it looks like a road trip to Victoria is on hold for a bit longer. Bill has a couple of meeting over the weekend - work related. That works out just fine, as the basement is a disaster and I really need to get out into the garden. I think we are also going to adjust some of the patio stones. Hopefully there will be time to relax as next week is a busy one; working 4 days straight. Hmmm, wonder what Bill will be making for supper?
I forgot to mention, I made my first Christmas present purchase. Little ones are so easy to buy for. It's the bigger kids that make you think more.
The count down is on for the big birthday trip.. Vegas and Garth Brooks. whoooo hoooo.
Anyway, trying to finish up Patrick's school book, so I can put it away.
Later
Stacey

Day 1 of September

Day 1 of September and September 1 - hows that for being on the ball.

Q: Did you hear about the new sushi bar that caters exclusively to lawyers?

A: It's called "SOSUMI!"

Sometimes I just need myself to make me laugh!!!!

Speaking of sushi (and that was a great lead in), that's where we went for a family dinner last night. Now I forget the name, but it was in Dalhousie Mall. Who knew sushi could be so pretty. Now Bill, Ashley and Patrick all thought the sushi was great; I myself am not an eating of raw fish - and so all my found was cooked - but I did appreciate the presentation. And I certainly wasn't going to complain about where we went for dinner, considering trying to get the four of us together for a meal is tricky each time.

Who knew school started today? That's what happens when you have no kids attending k-12. But I found out with a start that indeed today was the day. I received a phone call late Wednesday night from a teacher at a school, asking if I could sub for Thursday, Friday. Without taking an extra breath, I said yes!!!!!! I can't believe I fell for flattery. I was thinking I had until tuesday to put on my Ed. Face. But today proved that I needed not only my Ed. face, but my Ed voice; my Ed. body and my Ed. energy. I was working with three grade 1's; but only one of them got my entire attention. Thank goodness there were a couple of teacher assistants in the classroom. They covered every one else. Tomorrow I must remember to eat my Wheaties.

Oh yes, the son went for another hike today. Thank you Mrs. Beresford for giving me your cell number had I wondered what was taking them so long. Patrick did remember to tell me where he was going this time; and he texted me when he got off the mountain. By the looked of his tired face and torn pants (in the bottom), it was quite a hike. Maybe next time he'll go to bed at a reasonable hour and not miss his alarm........

Anyway better get stuff washed up so he can finish packing..... Saturday is the day.

Later

Stacey