It's Tuesday evening and I'm ready for bed. Have been feeling more tired than usual lately. I've been blaming it on the season (hopefully I shake it soon). I had gotten blood work done a couple of weeks ago and everything must have came back ok, because I haven't heard from the doctor's office.
No time for bed though. We have some company coming over for a visit. Bill's cousin and family from California is in town. Just a small get together.
Sunday night we help Bill's Uncle celebrate his 90th birthday. There was a family get together at a Chinese buffet. There were around 50 people. I love those get together's ; they are always a great time catching up.
Monday was my meeting with my card manager for my annual review. Came away with a great report, but I did mention I might want to cut back a couple of stores. I'll keep that in the back of my mind.
Then today I had a job interview with a service company. Looks like I'll be working again with some young kids. I don't have all the details yet, but came home with all their information packages and binders. That one might not start until mid -October; after assessments are done.
Other than that it has been a relatively quiet few days. I'm still looking for my birthday present from Patrick (but not very hard). I'm beginning to think like Bill, that maybe he didn't even buy anything, and can't remember.
I better go get the tequila poured or the tea brewing - one way or another it's going to be a relaxing night.
Stacey
Tuesday, September 24, 2013
Friday, September 20, 2013
Blog 6 of September
52 years ago today, this little cutie came along!!! Thanks to everyone for all the lovely birthday wishes. I was going through old pictures and came to the realization that I have no pictures of me as a baby with my parents, or my siblings for that matter. Hmmmm. I have a couple as a toddler with Robin. I was rockin' cowboy boots and a diaper.
I have a difficult time wrapping my head around the number 52. I certainly don't feel old, but maybe 52 isn't old anymore. It certainly seemed like an old number when I was in my 20's.
It's even more amazing to me to look at some famous people who are the same age as me. Such as Julia Louise Dreyfus, Eddie Murphy, George Lopez, George Clooney (too bad he likes younger ladies), Dennis Rodman, Drew Carey, Melissa Ethridge, Michael J Fox, Boy George, Toby Keith, Ricky Gervais, Leif Garrett, Kelly Hrudey, Mark Messier, Wayne Gretzky, and the president himself, Barack Obama. Of course the list was much longer.
A couple of people who were born in different years but have the same birthday - Sophia Loren (1934), Guy LaFleur (1951) and Kristin Johnston (1967).
A lot of things happened in 1961 - Syria was in the news, even back then "Syria withdraws from United Arab Republic." And on September 20, 1961, USSR performs nuclear test at Novaya Zemlya USSR. No wonder the earth shook when I was born.
The number one song the week I was born "Take Good Care of My Baby" by Bobby Vee.
This passed year has been an eventful one and I am looking forward to seeing what the next year has in store for me. Let me rephrase that, I am looking forward to what I can create in my life this coming year.
Thanks to Bill, Ashley and Ethan for taking me out for a lovely supper to Earls (had a gift card that needed used up) And a big thanks to Patrick for bringing a smile to my face, even from so far away. Patrick called in the morning to wish me a happy birthday - and then he told me about my birthday present - he bought me a phone charger for my car and me new i-phone. One problem - he can't remember where he hid it. So tonight we played hide and seek - still no charger, but I'm sure it will show up (or Patrick might have a memory burp) Either way, it made for a memorable birthday.
Stacey
Tuesday, September 17, 2013
Blog 5 of September
Today was a very productive day - finally.
I purposely tried to go back to sleep after Bill left at 5:45 am. I didn't care what time my day was going to start. I spent most of the morning on the phone, paying bills and getting estimates.
Estimates for what? Well, that image above might look like the reflection of a bird, but no, it is the result of a very bad shot by a golfer. It happened last week. I had just gotten home from work and was opening the back door to let Maya out. There was a gentleman standing at the fence and he was frowning and pointing to my left. I didn't get the signal (or hint) and then he asked if I didn't hear it. Seems the bad shot must have happened just before I walked in the door. The gentleman took full responsibility (which is sometimes rare on a golf course) and was very apologetic. I told him not to worry about the inconvenience, we live on a golf course for crying out loud - it's expected. Poor guy though, it was the second largest window in the back - my large viewing window from the bedroom. So hopefully we will have it fixed in a week or two (before any snow........)
I also want to show you some "cute things" I made for Ashley's party
I was actually looking this idea up for a friend. And I thought it was so cool. You just take glass mason jars, and put in a glow stick. While everyone was sitting out by the campfire on Friday night, I put these out around the table and it looked wonderful. Where do people come up with these ideas.
So in addition to all my paper work, phone work, and sleeping it, I also managed to get the upstairs floors washed, and used my magic bullet to make my shredded ginger and garlic for freezing. I love productive days.
Now it's time to put on the PJ's, grab a cup of tea and enjoy some reading.
Till next time.
Stacey
I purposely tried to go back to sleep after Bill left at 5:45 am. I didn't care what time my day was going to start. I spent most of the morning on the phone, paying bills and getting estimates.
Estimates for what? Well, that image above might look like the reflection of a bird, but no, it is the result of a very bad shot by a golfer. It happened last week. I had just gotten home from work and was opening the back door to let Maya out. There was a gentleman standing at the fence and he was frowning and pointing to my left. I didn't get the signal (or hint) and then he asked if I didn't hear it. Seems the bad shot must have happened just before I walked in the door. The gentleman took full responsibility (which is sometimes rare on a golf course) and was very apologetic. I told him not to worry about the inconvenience, we live on a golf course for crying out loud - it's expected. Poor guy though, it was the second largest window in the back - my large viewing window from the bedroom. So hopefully we will have it fixed in a week or two (before any snow........)
I also want to show you some "cute things" I made for Ashley's party
So in addition to all my paper work, phone work, and sleeping it, I also managed to get the upstairs floors washed, and used my magic bullet to make my shredded ginger and garlic for freezing. I love productive days.
Now it's time to put on the PJ's, grab a cup of tea and enjoy some reading.
Till next time.
Stacey
Monday, September 16, 2013
Blog 4 of September
Is it really possible that we are half way through September already? That just doesn't seem right!
First I want to start by sending out belated birthday wishes to Miss Cheryl. I have it marked on my calendar and your card hopefully arrived in time.
Next, I want to wish a Happy 24th Anniversary to my sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Anne and Brian.
Yes, 24 years ago they tied the knot. And just before the bride walked down in the aisle, Bill and I and our baby Ashley, who was just three days old, walked down to find a seat.
Yes Ashley celebrated her 24th birthday on Friday, September 13th. She had the day off of work and she planned her own party. First we went horseback riding during the day (I took one for the team and represented the family) and then Ashley has a great group of people over for dinner. She had friends from Junior High, horseback friends, gym friends, employers...etc. It was a fun night.
It was a long day for me. I was still recovering from the walk, the weekend before. Then the 1 1/2 horseback ride on a very fat horse (named Homer), and the cooking, etc, I was ready for a nap all weekend.
Hopefully this week won't be quite a busy and I can catch up on a lot of things.
Here's to a carefree week.
Stacey
First I want to start by sending out belated birthday wishes to Miss Cheryl. I have it marked on my calendar and your card hopefully arrived in time.
Next, I want to wish a Happy 24th Anniversary to my sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Anne and Brian.
Yes, 24 years ago they tied the knot. And just before the bride walked down in the aisle, Bill and I and our baby Ashley, who was just three days old, walked down to find a seat.
It was a long day for me. I was still recovering from the walk, the weekend before. Then the 1 1/2 horseback ride on a very fat horse (named Homer), and the cooking, etc, I was ready for a nap all weekend.
Hopefully this week won't be quite a busy and I can catch up on a lot of things.
Here's to a carefree week.
Stacey
Saturday, September 14, 2013
Blog 3 of September
Ok, I am alive. I made it. The walk is over.....
This time last week, I was in the middle of the KidneyMarch 2013, and it was pouring rain. What a difference a week makes. But let me give a short synopsis.
Friday, September 6 : My girlfriend Jean and her husband picked me up at the house around 5:30 a.m. and we head for the Delta Hotel in the South.
That was the meet up point where we boarded a couple of buses and head to the Millarville Race Track, the starting point of the March. As you can see, we were certainly not the first people to arrive.
There were approx 158 people registered to walk in the March and probably 75 - 100 more that were crew members.
We did a little warm up with a very enthusiastic Zumba instructor. Thank goodness these are still photos and not video, although it would have been a lot more entertaining for you.
It was a little chilly before the walk started.
The March was supposed to start at 8:00 a.m. I think we were probably about 15 minutes late in getting started.
As the sun came out, the day got very warm.
Following the road signs helped me to see which way we were headed (not really, it just gave me comfort to know we were actually heading someplace. The lovely weather lasted right up until about 5 km left in the walk. Then it started to drizzle and that lasted until just before bed time.
Our camp city was located in the Boy Scouts campground. The only facilities of the boy scouts that we used were the showers. Everything else was a tent, put up and provided by the Kidney Foundation. This was our dining tent and also used for the nightly karaoke.
This was "tent city." Our tent was A1. You can see the wall of port-o-potties in the background. I was slightly disappointed in the "sleeping situation." The tents were too small for two people. Let me rephrase that. The tents were probably just the right size for two people, but too small for two people and their "baggage." The first night, I got cramps in my legs because I couldn't stretch me legs out as my bag was at the end of my sleeping bag. The second night, Jean and I figured out that if we piled our bags on top of each other in the middle, we could at least tightly squeeze our legs to the bottom of our sleeping bags. I also then found out at the end of the walk, that some people requested their own tent. I guess as a newbie, we didn't have this knowledge!!!!
Day 2 we boarded a bus that took us back to where we had finished the day before. It was raining when we woke up in the morning ............
And it continued raining for the entire day. Many people I talked to said they felt bad for us, but really, the rain wasn't that bad. We weren't cold; we didn't have to walk in mud (until we got back to camp), and it made the hot shower at the end of the day that much more special.
There was a slight break in the rain for about 30 minutes - perfect timing for our Kananaskis picture. One of the walkers made a good point. There is no such thing as a water proof runner!!!!
This lovely clown was one of the medical volunteers. They were a special group of people. They took care of all our aches, pains and blisters. I developed many blisters on the Saturday (the rain day) and I'm pretty sure it was from walking in wet shoes.
This was the last night in our tent (the night we discovered how to make for leg room - hence the smiles)
Sunday Day 3, and 100 km later, we arrived at COP (Canada Olympic Park). We arrived at the top of the hill, went through the finish line, received our red-T-shirts) - our badge of glory I guess. Then we as a group, marched down the hill (which I'm sure was at least another 1 km - or felt like it after 100 km)
Jean's husband was there to greet her. Bill and Maya came to greet me. (Ashley was working and Patrick in Victoria), but Maya's enthusiasm made up for them. I was ready to go home, soak my weary feet and get some much needed sleep. We first had to attend the closing ceremonies and then retrieve our gear.
I was glad for the experience. I can now cross that "5 km" walk off my list - 20 times. Would I do it again? It is sort of like childbirth. If you ask me right now, I'd say no....... never again. But give it a few months, who knows what my answer might be.
It's been a week since the walk, and a lot of things have happened so I will do my best to update things on the blog.
Stacey
This time last week, I was in the middle of the KidneyMarch 2013, and it was pouring rain. What a difference a week makes. But let me give a short synopsis.
Friday, September 6 : My girlfriend Jean and her husband picked me up at the house around 5:30 a.m. and we head for the Delta Hotel in the South.
That was the meet up point where we boarded a couple of buses and head to the Millarville Race Track, the starting point of the March. As you can see, we were certainly not the first people to arrive.
There were approx 158 people registered to walk in the March and probably 75 - 100 more that were crew members.
We did a little warm up with a very enthusiastic Zumba instructor. Thank goodness these are still photos and not video, although it would have been a lot more entertaining for you.
It was a little chilly before the walk started.
The March was supposed to start at 8:00 a.m. I think we were probably about 15 minutes late in getting started.
As the sun came out, the day got very warm.
Following the road signs helped me to see which way we were headed (not really, it just gave me comfort to know we were actually heading someplace. The lovely weather lasted right up until about 5 km left in the walk. Then it started to drizzle and that lasted until just before bed time.
Our camp city was located in the Boy Scouts campground. The only facilities of the boy scouts that we used were the showers. Everything else was a tent, put up and provided by the Kidney Foundation. This was our dining tent and also used for the nightly karaoke.
Day 2 we boarded a bus that took us back to where we had finished the day before. It was raining when we woke up in the morning ............
And it continued raining for the entire day. Many people I talked to said they felt bad for us, but really, the rain wasn't that bad. We weren't cold; we didn't have to walk in mud (until we got back to camp), and it made the hot shower at the end of the day that much more special.
There was a slight break in the rain for about 30 minutes - perfect timing for our Kananaskis picture. One of the walkers made a good point. There is no such thing as a water proof runner!!!!
This lovely clown was one of the medical volunteers. They were a special group of people. They took care of all our aches, pains and blisters. I developed many blisters on the Saturday (the rain day) and I'm pretty sure it was from walking in wet shoes.
This was the last night in our tent (the night we discovered how to make for leg room - hence the smiles)
Sunday Day 3, and 100 km later, we arrived at COP (Canada Olympic Park). We arrived at the top of the hill, went through the finish line, received our red-T-shirts) - our badge of glory I guess. Then we as a group, marched down the hill (which I'm sure was at least another 1 km - or felt like it after 100 km)
Jean's husband was there to greet her. Bill and Maya came to greet me. (Ashley was working and Patrick in Victoria), but Maya's enthusiasm made up for them. I was ready to go home, soak my weary feet and get some much needed sleep. We first had to attend the closing ceremonies and then retrieve our gear.
I was glad for the experience. I can now cross that "5 km" walk off my list - 20 times. Would I do it again? It is sort of like childbirth. If you ask me right now, I'd say no....... never again. But give it a few months, who knows what my answer might be.
It's been a week since the walk, and a lot of things have happened so I will do my best to update things on the blog.
Stacey
Friday, September 6, 2013
Blog 2 of September
Thursday night was busy, and exciting and a little stressful. It was the night before our big walk. We had our Day 0 Safety meeting. Time to finalize the details, tally up the donations, assign tents, confirm tent partners, etc.
Well I came away from the meeting feeling less busy, more excited and less stressful. The organizers couldn't express enough how great this weekend was going to be (despite the weekend weather forecast) And they were right. If we know the rain is coming.......plan for the best, prepare for the worst.
Jean and I arrived home around 8:30 pm last night and I repacked my stuff (added in the umbrella), doubled checked my list, slipped in a few not list items (gum, munchies, music).
I was in bed and ready to go to sleep by 10:00 pm. Unfortunately Maya and Bill weren't very co-operative. That stressed me out a little. I tossed and turned and finally after trying all my "fall asleep" tricks, popped my ativan and before I knew it 4:30 a.m. was here.
I'm showered, packed, and ready to go.
There will be more blogs to follow, but they may have to wait until Monday because I'm not taking any electronic tablets (too much stuff already)
Sending love and positive energy to all and thanks for everyone's support.
Failure is not an option.!!!!!
(now where did I put those damn rubber boots)
Stacey
Well I came away from the meeting feeling less busy, more excited and less stressful. The organizers couldn't express enough how great this weekend was going to be (despite the weekend weather forecast) And they were right. If we know the rain is coming.......plan for the best, prepare for the worst.
Jean and I arrived home around 8:30 pm last night and I repacked my stuff (added in the umbrella), doubled checked my list, slipped in a few not list items (gum, munchies, music).
I was in bed and ready to go to sleep by 10:00 pm. Unfortunately Maya and Bill weren't very co-operative. That stressed me out a little. I tossed and turned and finally after trying all my "fall asleep" tricks, popped my ativan and before I knew it 4:30 a.m. was here.
I'm showered, packed, and ready to go.
There will be more blogs to follow, but they may have to wait until Monday because I'm not taking any electronic tablets (too much stuff already)
Sending love and positive energy to all and thanks for everyone's support.
Failure is not an option.!!!!!
(now where did I put those damn rubber boots)
Stacey
Sunday, September 1, 2013
Blog 1 of September
Yes, September 1st. Wow, where did our summer go? What I mean to say, is "where did the time go?" Maybe a short picture synopses will refresh my memory!!!
Even though it was still June, the summer got started with the trip Patrick and I took to Winnipeg to see Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran. What great memories for me, and hopefully Patrick. Who knows how many more times we'll want to see the same artists.
There were BBQ's; ours and Patricks. Our big BBQ of the summer was when the Flott family came for a long overdue visit. We couldn't have asked for more beautiful weather.
There was the Flood of 2013: We were very lucky that our home was not affected. But I think it would be fair to say that most people in Calgary and surrounding areas were affected in some way. It was something I have not seen in my 52 years living in and around Calgary.
There was the Stampede. Patrick's friend Elliot came to visit from B.C. What better way to introduce him to the Calgary Stampede than with a lot of rain and lots of mud.
There was Reggaefest: Met some amazing artists, volunteers and reconnected with old friends. This was my 5th year volunteering and I'm already looking forward to next August.
There was Banff. Bill and I got a chance to get away for a day or two. Hiked a beautiful mountain and afterwards enjoyed a meal on the outdoor balcony at the Banff Springs Hotel. This is the mushroom burger that Bill ordered. Little did he know it actually only came with two large portabella mushrooms.
There was training: The decision to walk in the Kidney March was one of the best things I have done for myself in a long time. And the added bonus of how it helps others, is like icing on the cake. Only 5 days until I actually partake in the actually race!!!!
Reunion lunches: Loved, loved seeing the ladies from "Colonel Sanders Group" 10 years might have passed, but the friendships are ageless (as are the ladies) Also got together with the PREP ladies for morning walks and the odd lunch and dinner.
Spartan Races: I didn't partake in any of these races, but I was lucky enough to let the end results bathe in my washing machine. Patrick did two of the Spartan races; one in Edmonton with his cousin Susan, and the second one in Calgary, with his "lake swimming" buddies.
And reliving old memories. I love going through old photographs, so when I came across this one, I had to keep a copy. This would be some where in the late 1950's in Midnapore. That is my Mom, and my two sisters, Sharry and Robin. I don't think I was even a twinkle in my parents eye yet!!!!
Even though it was still June, the summer got started with the trip Patrick and I took to Winnipeg to see Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran. What great memories for me, and hopefully Patrick. Who knows how many more times we'll want to see the same artists.
There were BBQ's; ours and Patricks. Our big BBQ of the summer was when the Flott family came for a long overdue visit. We couldn't have asked for more beautiful weather.
The son seemed to have a busier social calendar than ours. It was heartwarming to watch him stay connected with friends from his school years. I think he had three BBQ's in total at our place.
There was the Flood of 2013: We were very lucky that our home was not affected. But I think it would be fair to say that most people in Calgary and surrounding areas were affected in some way. It was something I have not seen in my 52 years living in and around Calgary.
Volunteering at Spruce Meadows. This was a new experience for me this year. I am grateful to Ashley for giving me the idea and letting me hang out with her at her job. I learned more about show jumping as a volunteer than I did as a horse mom for all those years.
There was the Stampede. Patrick's friend Elliot came to visit from B.C. What better way to introduce him to the Calgary Stampede than with a lot of rain and lots of mud.
There was Reggaefest: Met some amazing artists, volunteers and reconnected with old friends. This was my 5th year volunteering and I'm already looking forward to next August.
There was Banff. Bill and I got a chance to get away for a day or two. Hiked a beautiful mountain and afterwards enjoyed a meal on the outdoor balcony at the Banff Springs Hotel. This is the mushroom burger that Bill ordered. Little did he know it actually only came with two large portabella mushrooms.
There was training: The decision to walk in the Kidney March was one of the best things I have done for myself in a long time. And the added bonus of how it helps others, is like icing on the cake. Only 5 days until I actually partake in the actually race!!!!
Reunion lunches: Loved, loved seeing the ladies from "Colonel Sanders Group" 10 years might have passed, but the friendships are ageless (as are the ladies) Also got together with the PREP ladies for morning walks and the odd lunch and dinner.
Kid's Cancer Camp at Camp Kindle - Watervalley: Another highlight was being able to go out on Fridays and spend time with a great group of volunteers and interact with some great and courageous kids. We did not have one Friday of rain for the entire Friday summer camps.
Spartan Races: I didn't partake in any of these races, but I was lucky enough to let the end results bathe in my washing machine. Patrick did two of the Spartan races; one in Edmonton with his cousin Susan, and the second one in Calgary, with his "lake swimming" buddies.
Ashley, Ethan and Bill participated in the Calgary spartan race, along with Ashley's fellow co workers from Spruce Meadows. I'm pretty sure this was a before shot.
And reliving old memories. I love going through old photographs, so when I came across this one, I had to keep a copy. This would be some where in the late 1950's in Midnapore. That is my Mom, and my two sisters, Sharry and Robin. I don't think I was even a twinkle in my parents eye yet!!!!
And now the son has returned to school, his home away from home. Bill took him to the airport this morning. I've heard from him, he's made it. Got some groceries and I think he's having some beers with friends. I'm pretty sure he won't be lonely!
Ashley is home tonight, but there is a horse show starting up tomorrow, so I'm guessing she is going to be absent for a few days. I see big changes for her in the fall. But we'll save that for another blog. Good bye summer. Hello wonderful Autumn!
Stacey
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