Sorry Shaunan, I hope you get to work before you check the blog post. I don't want to make you late for work.
I also want to send out birthday wishes today (since the world is still in tact)
Happy Birthday to my cousin Darcy. I still remember when you're mom brought you home from the hospital. It was Christmas Day and you guys came to our house. I think we came to get you or visit you and when we got back home, my Mom told me I forgot a present under the tree. I remember thinking, how could I have not seen a present that big. Turned out it was my light brite, and Santa had forgot all about the present in the closet. I also remember we started singing "Hello Dolly" to your mom. Not sure why........
Also Happy Birthday to one of my American girlfriends, De. Sorry De, I didn't get those diamonds in the mail soon enough, but your card should be coming soon.
So a couple of neat entries to talk about. First, I won on the radio. I know, it's almost like another job for me. But when I'm awake at 5:00 a.m. (cause that's when Bill leaves for work), I turn the radio on and listen, and that's when a lot of contests come on. This time I won ticket's to Jubilations Dinner Theatre; a Tim Hortons gift basket and tickets to the premier screening of a new Matt Damon movie in Janaury. I love positive energy.
Last night was an amazing end to a very hectic day. I manage to work three of my stores and still head to work with the kids in the afternoon. Patrick was scheduled to arrive back in Calgary around 11:10. I thought I would run some errands first, seeing how Superstore is open 24 hours during the holiday season. I was pleasantly surprised how empty the parking lot was, and even more surprised how empty the store was at 9:30 at night. I needed a few groceries and a few presents for a work Christmas party on Monday. During my shopping, the son called to tell me the flight was delayed. So I finished my shopping and after some pondering, decided to head to Tim Hortons for a hot chocolate instead of driving all the way home, only to turn around and head back to the airport. I knew somewhere in my purse was a $15.00 Tim Horton's gift card, but I didn't have the patience to go searching for it. As I was waiting for my toasted bagel, 6 young gentlemen (high school age), dressed in their highland uniforms, kilts and all, walk into Tim Hortons. They placed their order after me, and suddenly it just seemed like the right time to find the gift card. I handed it to the lady working at the til, and asked her to apply it to the group's order. It doesn't matter how many times one does this, it always, always, leaves me with a warm heart. The boys walked by me on the way to their seats, and all six of them thanked me (Maam) So I'm working on my IPad, and I notice they all get up and back to the cashier; after all they are growing boys. Before I know it, they guys are standing in front of my table, and they present me with a gift mug and coffee. (The same gift I had just purchased three of) Wow, I was blown away. The original thank you was appreciation enough. I wish I could thank their parents on a job well done.
Now there is a bit of "dodododododod" in this story. At the beginning of the week, I had been researching on taking a trip to Scotland; just for Bill and I. I'll go into more of that in a different blog. But the fact that Scotland and these young men in their kilts showed up in the same week, in my thoughts, just keeps me believing in the power of thought.
Patrick's flight finally arrived just after 12:00 midnight. It was great to see the boy; whiskers and all. I guess when you are busy with exams, personal hygiene comes last. We arrived home to great fanfare from Maya, and a smile from Bill. Just as I am getting ready for bed, Patrick asks me if I would like to hear some of his journal from his trip to Thailand this past summer. The adult in me just wanted to get some sleep, but the mom in me was thrilled that he would want to share his personal story with me. So for the next hour or so, Patrick read part of his experiences during his trip. I think I sat there with my mouth open the entire time. Where did this boy learn to write. I may be his mom, but I was very impressed with his writing style and capabilities. Once he has finished the journal, I hope he will let me share some excertps with you.
That was my past week in a nut shell - or at least in this blog. I hope to get another blog written before Christmas, but if I don't Merry Christmas everyone.
Stacey
Friday, December 21, 2012
Saturday, December 15, 2012
Day 2 of December
It's December 15, so only 10 more days til Christmas - am I ready - no, but that's part of the Christmas spirit......I've been told!
You would think people would be so busy getting ready for Christmas (or the end of the world) that they wouldn't be looking for a blog to read........ but some people are just too organized (or bored)
It has been a busy couple of weeks. December 8th was Bill's company Christmas party. Once again it was being held at the Banff Springs Hotel - my favorite place in Banff. It was a very disappointing event for me. Check in was at 4:00 pm and we didn't leave Calgary until 3:30ish. By the time we got to the hotel, there was no parking left - 500 parking spots and they were all full. The attendant happen to find us a spot near the garbage disposal, which actually turned out to be closer than the parking garage. We entered the hotel to discover a line up that could match a Disney ride in California. Apparently there were 8 oil company Christmas parties being held in the hotel that same night. Despite the long line up, the wait went quite fast. Bill finally made it to the front of the line, only to discover our room was just being cleaned as we registered. Another wait, but again, it went by fast. And then it happened........ Bill's phone rang - could it be the kids? Nope! Maybe some relatives? Nope! It was work... Wait, wasn't everyone from work at the party? Apparently not. So as Bill is talking on the phone, we check into our room (which turned out to be a wonderful suite), I got dressed, I dressed Bill and we headed down for supper. Now the problem at work needed more resources, so Bill had to search out for "help". Normally I would mingle and greet people, but I didn't know a soul. So I did what any good wife would do - I grabbed a glass of bubbly that went by on the tray and waited... and waited....and waited. Finally it was time to sit down for dinner. Thankfully I found our table and seats and eventually Bill joined the table. He was able to eat each course, and finish up the work inbetween the courses. The smile on my face was no stuck and the muscles were getting sore. I asked Bill if after dinner, I could go to the room and relax. And that's how I spent the rest of my night; curled up on the comfortable bed, in my comfy pj's, watching the TV and reading. I think Bill finally made it back to the room around 3:00 a.m. I'm glad he was able to get in some fun time - and wouldn't you know there were no more work problems after I left!!!!
We got up Sunday morning, had brunch in the hotel and headed home. Now how I would normally spend a day and evening at the Banff Springs Hotel, but hey, it wasn't my Christmas party.
On Thursday, I took the kids (the ones I work with) on a field trip to the mall to see Santa. Talk about an amazing day. The kids have never really been in a mall before and had never seen Santa. Well all three did wonderful. Miss J climbed onto Santa's lap and just got comfy cozy and wasn't in any hurry to leave. All three kids were amazing and very well behaved.
I arrived home Thursday to find a couple messages from the seniors home when Mom is at. Seems they had some concerns, as Mom wasn't herself. She was confused and her memory was worse than norma. I went over to visit her after supper, only to find her sitting on her bed, trying to put on clothes on the wrong part of her body. She was very agitated. The nurses were concerned she either had an infection or vascular dementia. Her blood pressure was way to high and her legs were quite swollen. It was very hard for me to watch, but I can only imagine how awful it must have been for mom. They were finally able to get mom's blood pressure down, and by Friday morning, they had confirmation that she did in fact have an infection. I took her to her doctors to get some prescriptions filled. I tried explaining to mom was had happened the day before, but she wouldn't believe me and thought everyone was concerned over nothing. It was an exhausting 24 hours.
So Friday night, I did what any good wife (oops, I mean daughter) would do, I headed to the local pub with my girlfriend Rose for wings and nachos (and a couple of coolers - couple equals 5, right). We were well planned - Rose's son dropped us off, and Ashley picked us up. It was a fun night. I really did need to unwind - I had spent the past couple of days negotiating with 2 years olds and an 89 year old. (and sometimes a 23 year old)
So today I spent most of the day finishing off a couple of Christmas presents, and clearning off my desk. I'm scared to see how high the laundry pile is. I'm wondering if I should get an assistant.... (hahahah)
Anyway better get dressed, as we're heading out for dinner with Anne and Brian.
Stacey
You would think people would be so busy getting ready for Christmas (or the end of the world) that they wouldn't be looking for a blog to read........ but some people are just too organized (or bored)
It has been a busy couple of weeks. December 8th was Bill's company Christmas party. Once again it was being held at the Banff Springs Hotel - my favorite place in Banff. It was a very disappointing event for me. Check in was at 4:00 pm and we didn't leave Calgary until 3:30ish. By the time we got to the hotel, there was no parking left - 500 parking spots and they were all full. The attendant happen to find us a spot near the garbage disposal, which actually turned out to be closer than the parking garage. We entered the hotel to discover a line up that could match a Disney ride in California. Apparently there were 8 oil company Christmas parties being held in the hotel that same night. Despite the long line up, the wait went quite fast. Bill finally made it to the front of the line, only to discover our room was just being cleaned as we registered. Another wait, but again, it went by fast. And then it happened........ Bill's phone rang - could it be the kids? Nope! Maybe some relatives? Nope! It was work... Wait, wasn't everyone from work at the party? Apparently not. So as Bill is talking on the phone, we check into our room (which turned out to be a wonderful suite), I got dressed, I dressed Bill and we headed down for supper. Now the problem at work needed more resources, so Bill had to search out for "help". Normally I would mingle and greet people, but I didn't know a soul. So I did what any good wife would do - I grabbed a glass of bubbly that went by on the tray and waited... and waited....and waited. Finally it was time to sit down for dinner. Thankfully I found our table and seats and eventually Bill joined the table. He was able to eat each course, and finish up the work inbetween the courses. The smile on my face was no stuck and the muscles were getting sore. I asked Bill if after dinner, I could go to the room and relax. And that's how I spent the rest of my night; curled up on the comfortable bed, in my comfy pj's, watching the TV and reading. I think Bill finally made it back to the room around 3:00 a.m. I'm glad he was able to get in some fun time - and wouldn't you know there were no more work problems after I left!!!!
We got up Sunday morning, had brunch in the hotel and headed home. Now how I would normally spend a day and evening at the Banff Springs Hotel, but hey, it wasn't my Christmas party.
On Thursday, I took the kids (the ones I work with) on a field trip to the mall to see Santa. Talk about an amazing day. The kids have never really been in a mall before and had never seen Santa. Well all three did wonderful. Miss J climbed onto Santa's lap and just got comfy cozy and wasn't in any hurry to leave. All three kids were amazing and very well behaved.
I arrived home Thursday to find a couple messages from the seniors home when Mom is at. Seems they had some concerns, as Mom wasn't herself. She was confused and her memory was worse than norma. I went over to visit her after supper, only to find her sitting on her bed, trying to put on clothes on the wrong part of her body. She was very agitated. The nurses were concerned she either had an infection or vascular dementia. Her blood pressure was way to high and her legs were quite swollen. It was very hard for me to watch, but I can only imagine how awful it must have been for mom. They were finally able to get mom's blood pressure down, and by Friday morning, they had confirmation that she did in fact have an infection. I took her to her doctors to get some prescriptions filled. I tried explaining to mom was had happened the day before, but she wouldn't believe me and thought everyone was concerned over nothing. It was an exhausting 24 hours.
So Friday night, I did what any good wife (oops, I mean daughter) would do, I headed to the local pub with my girlfriend Rose for wings and nachos (and a couple of coolers - couple equals 5, right). We were well planned - Rose's son dropped us off, and Ashley picked us up. It was a fun night. I really did need to unwind - I had spent the past couple of days negotiating with 2 years olds and an 89 year old. (and sometimes a 23 year old)
So today I spent most of the day finishing off a couple of Christmas presents, and clearning off my desk. I'm scared to see how high the laundry pile is. I'm wondering if I should get an assistant.... (hahahah)
Anyway better get dressed, as we're heading out for dinner with Anne and Brian.
Stacey
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
Day 1 of December
And the countdown is on til Christmas.
December 1, we celebrated Bill's birthday. Technically he celebrated the morning buying and installing a new TV for my mom. Hers finally bit the dust at the beginning of the week, and she had been sitting watching a blank screen all week. I had visited her in the middle of the week, and showed her how to work her "tape/radio" machine. She was thrilled to be able to listen to Daniel O'Donnell. Unfortunately, by Friday, she had forgotten how to work the machine. I must remember to make some instructions for her. So anyway, back to Bill's birthday. He spent the morning getting Mom's TV set up, and then I think he napped in the afternoon (I went into work doing cards) Saturday night, Ashley, Ethan and I took Bill to his favorite restaurant "Kinjos". They were packed. So packed that we left before they had time to come by and sing his birthday song. Then we headed back home for cake, or in this case cupcakes that Ashley had made for her Dad's birthday. After cupcakes, we sat for a family movie. I can't remember the last time we all sat for a movie (if you don't count going to the theatre to see the new James Bond film) I think Bill's favorite gift was the "fruit cake" from Ashley (that I bought and gave her to give) and his least favorite gift was the nose hair clippers that I got him. I'm waiting until he is asleep, then I'll try them out.
Sunday I went to visit my Mom. I was in charge of helping her with her Christmas shopping this year. Really, it's not that hard because she just gives everyone money. The difficult part is coming up with creative ways for her to give the money. This year we decided to (skip this part Alisa) buy Christmas crackers (not the one's you eat, but the one's you pull). I clipped one of the cracker and then put the money inside; then I retied the end. I took this all over to Mom's and she helped put the tags on the crackers. Mom is finding it difficult to hold a pen and write for long periods, so I had to make up labels. It took us an hour, but I think Mom had a great feeling of pride in having helped in the process. And just like the day before for Bill, I needed to come home for a nap. We must be getting old.
I have had periodic correspondence from the son. He's finished classes and is now in the process of studying for exams. Movemeber is over and here is picture of the before and after shots. I can't believe how much older he looks with the "stache". 18 days until he comes home!!!!!
Bill has booked us for another vacation(I know 2 in one year) Looks like we'll be going to Florida, and it will be just the four of us. I'm really excited for that part. I will keep you posted on the details as the trip begins.
Because we'll be home for Christmas, we decided to host the family Christmas dinner - both families combined. The kids are excited. They love having family gatherins at our house. I think I'll be ready in time - must remember the turkey!!!!!!!
It's getting busy in the house - got the tree up, but not fully decorated yet. Some baking started, nuts and bolts made, and 1/2 the shopping done. Now if I could just get the remainder of my Christmas cards done, I'd be a happy camper.
Better get off to work, it's an early shift today.
Stacey
December 1, we celebrated Bill's birthday. Technically he celebrated the morning buying and installing a new TV for my mom. Hers finally bit the dust at the beginning of the week, and she had been sitting watching a blank screen all week. I had visited her in the middle of the week, and showed her how to work her "tape/radio" machine. She was thrilled to be able to listen to Daniel O'Donnell. Unfortunately, by Friday, she had forgotten how to work the machine. I must remember to make some instructions for her. So anyway, back to Bill's birthday. He spent the morning getting Mom's TV set up, and then I think he napped in the afternoon (I went into work doing cards) Saturday night, Ashley, Ethan and I took Bill to his favorite restaurant "Kinjos". They were packed. So packed that we left before they had time to come by and sing his birthday song. Then we headed back home for cake, or in this case cupcakes that Ashley had made for her Dad's birthday. After cupcakes, we sat for a family movie. I can't remember the last time we all sat for a movie (if you don't count going to the theatre to see the new James Bond film) I think Bill's favorite gift was the "fruit cake" from Ashley (that I bought and gave her to give) and his least favorite gift was the nose hair clippers that I got him. I'm waiting until he is asleep, then I'll try them out.
Sunday I went to visit my Mom. I was in charge of helping her with her Christmas shopping this year. Really, it's not that hard because she just gives everyone money. The difficult part is coming up with creative ways for her to give the money. This year we decided to (skip this part Alisa) buy Christmas crackers (not the one's you eat, but the one's you pull). I clipped one of the cracker and then put the money inside; then I retied the end. I took this all over to Mom's and she helped put the tags on the crackers. Mom is finding it difficult to hold a pen and write for long periods, so I had to make up labels. It took us an hour, but I think Mom had a great feeling of pride in having helped in the process. And just like the day before for Bill, I needed to come home for a nap. We must be getting old.
I have had periodic correspondence from the son. He's finished classes and is now in the process of studying for exams. Movemeber is over and here is picture of the before and after shots. I can't believe how much older he looks with the "stache". 18 days until he comes home!!!!!
Bill has booked us for another vacation(I know 2 in one year) Looks like we'll be going to Florida, and it will be just the four of us. I'm really excited for that part. I will keep you posted on the details as the trip begins.
Because we'll be home for Christmas, we decided to host the family Christmas dinner - both families combined. The kids are excited. They love having family gatherins at our house. I think I'll be ready in time - must remember the turkey!!!!!!!
It's getting busy in the house - got the tree up, but not fully decorated yet. Some baking started, nuts and bolts made, and 1/2 the shopping done. Now if I could just get the remainder of my Christmas cards done, I'd be a happy camper.
Better get off to work, it's an early shift today.
Stacey
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