Day 2 of April

Arizona Holiday
Thursday, April 4, 2013

It is going to be another warm day here in Phoenix (technically Scottsdale).  Bill goes for his monring run, so I have lots of time to get my day started.  The hotel offers a complimentary breakfast, so we don't need to rush out.  I decided to wear my new golf outfit.  It is very bright.  I was very surprised yesterday when I bought the skort that I am down two sizes.  But of course, now I a need a new belt (didn't bring one down with me)  We had heard on the news this morning that there is a new outlet mall opening today.  After some debating we decied we would try and squeeze a visit to that mall into our day. 
  Our first stop was Barnes and Noble.  This used to be Bill's favorite music store.  Up until a couple of years ago, you could actually listen to a CD before you bought it.  They don't offer that service anymore, but that hasn't stopped us from visiting  B and N every trip to the States.  Enroute to the store I, the chauffeur once again today, made a wrong turn and we ended up in a mall across the street.  Lucky for us, we found another golf store.  We're here, we might as well go in.  Found a golf belt.  Did I mention I'm not a golfer, but I sure love the clothes.  Regained my bearings and we headed back to B and N.  Bill headed for the music, and I headed for Starbucks.    We shared a nice cool smoothie and bit the bullet and headed to the outlet mall.  I expected a lot more vehicles in the parking lot, but I guess because it was a Thursday, there weren't as many cars as there could be.  We found a parking spot, took a picture of where we were parked (when it's not a familar place, or a familar car, this is our saving grace)  We made it into about two stores and then Bill and I looked at each other and said "I'm done, how about you."  That was our new outlet mall experence."  Our kids would not be very proud of us.  I just find it hard to go shopping when I'm not really looking for anything in particular.  So other than a sub sandwhich for two, we didn't make any other purchases at the mall. 
  Once we got back to our car, we set up the GPS and let it take us home.  That was quite an adventure.  We made a couple pit stops as we drove by some stores.  For example, another golf store passed up by, so we  pulled in.  Then there was a Mercedes dealership; what the heck(hey maybe a new cinco de mayo gift).  We didn't let them know we were Canadian right away, but as soon as we did, the saleman gave us his card, and left to help someone else.  The GPS took us straight home afterwards.
  It was another early night for me, and Bill spent part of the evening in the business center dealing with work stuff.  I sure am getting a lot of books read.
Night.

Day 1 of April

Arizona Adventure

Wednesday, April 3, 2013

   This day came way too fast,  but even with a couple  of extra days, I would still seemed rushed.  We didn't have to leave the house for the airport until 8:15 am, so of course Bill still  had time to get a work out in.  At 5:30, Bill headed off to the gym, and I headed to the kitchen for a really early breakfast.  Thirty minutes later, I hear the garage door open.  In walks one grouchy husband.  Seems he forgot a pair of shorts.  You would think that would  be the end of the workout, but remember this is Bill, so off he headed back to the Y.  As I decided to get ready for a shower, I made one last check of my purse; iPad, check, wallet, check, passport, check, chargers, check, cell phone.......nope, not in the purse. Now  that's easy enough to find.  I grab a house phone and dial my cell phone number.  As I anticipate hearing my cell phone ring, I am surprised when the answering message comes on right away; meaning my cell phone has been turned off.  So now I am starting to panic just a little bit.  I don't usually turn my phone off, so this can only mean a few of things; I have turned my phone off ( which I knows didn't), the battery has died(which I know hasn't ), or I've lost my phone and somebody has found it, and turned it off (that must be it).  You notice I go for the most outrageous scenario.  I finally get in touch with the automated Telus system, and I get my phone cancelled.  Where and when could I have possibly lost my phone between visiting mom last night, and 5:30 this morning?  It's got to be around here somewhere.  I do another quick check if my purse.  Guess what I find at the bottom if my purse?  Lets say it together!   My cell phone.  Even I can't believe it.  So back on the house phone, back in touch with Telus automation, I reinstate my cell phone.  Finally I can hit the shower.  

  Before long it is 8:00 am and Brian our chauffeur to the airport has arrived.  The luggage gets loaded into car, and we are ready to o, but I think we're missing something.  Hmm, where's Bill?  Not back from the gym yet.  Before long Bill returns and we are on our way .  

  Arrived at the airport with plenty of time for check in.  Despite not being able to print my boarding pass at home, I was able to print my boarding pass and luggage tag at the Westjet kiosk.  For a moment the previous evening, I was worried that I had once again been chosen as one of those "special persons" for the flight.   Check in and customs were both incident free transitions.  The only delay we encountered was proceeding to our gate.  They don't open the glass doors until passengers from incoming flights have debarked and left the area.  This delay was a good time for Bill to discover that he had forgot his laptop.  He had the backpack. Heck he even had the charger, but the laptop is sitting on his desk at home.  Could  this possibly be a work free holiday.... No chance.  Seems there is an app you can buy for my iPad that will allow Bill to access work stuff.  More on the iPad later.

  So we board our on time flight.  Bill and I didn't get seats together. He was in row 2 and I was in row 11.  Both of us had middle seats, not my favorite.  Needless to say I didn't get my gravol nap, and my two male companions didn't seem like conversation magnets.  Thankfully the two and a half hour flight went by quickly.

  We arrived in Phoenix safe and sound and slightly over dressed.  A quick trip to the car rental outlet and we are on our way to our hotel. Thankfully Bill got dual drivers and I won't have to drive the entire holiday.  But for today, I am the chosen one.

  Our hotel check-in was still an hour away, so we decided to head to the golf course where Bill will be doing his golf training.  I came away with a nice golf shirt for me.  On the way back to our hotel, we stopped at a Mexican restaurant and there just happen to be another golf store next to it.  From there I came away with a golf skort.  The meal at the restaurant was really good (as was the tequila).  Without anymore pit stops we headed to our hotel.  By now it's around 6:30 so I out on my pj's and lay down for a quick nap.  That nap lasted 12 hours.

Day 5 of March

What a wonderful surprise I had when I was watching the news tonight.  The following story appearred and I couldn't have been more delighted, but certainly not surprised.  Jo-Lynn and Ken are amazing parents and they have these three wonderful children.  But one of those kids is very special to me.  I used to work with Jakob when he was only 3-4.  Normally I don't include pictures and names of the kids I work with, but I am sure because they have appeared on local television and there is a wonderful cause involved, this would be ok.  Take a read and if you are looking for a place to put your donation dollars, this is a great cause.   You can go to the global television website or Scotialbank Calgary Marathon website for details.  I have also attached a picture of Jakob and me and I guess it is about 8 years ago.  Where does the time go.

CALGARY- A local family is on a fundraising mission, in hopes of helping an organization that is changing their son’s life.


11-year-old Jakob Furdal has Down Syndrome, is non-verbal and at times withdrawn.

“He requires support from us on a daily basis to get through the day,” explains Jakob’s dad, Ken Furdal.

But his parents discovered there is one thing that completely changes him—dogs.

“It’s amazing, overwhelming when your son comes out of his shell and starts to engage and not be despondent,” Ken says. “To find something and take control, it empowers him. It’s a great, warm feeling.”

“Jakob becomes a different child,” adds his mother, Jo-Lynn Furdal. “With an animal he’s available, he smiles again.”
With that in mind, the family came across the organization Dogs With Wings, which is pairing Jakob with a furry partner. Volunteers help train the canines, which then serve as assistance dogs for Albertans living with disabilities.
“The greatest thing is the pride you feel after you’ve done it, when you give them up knowing you built the foundation that they’re gonna be a service dog,” says Raylene Middel, who helps raise the puppies.

It costs thousands of dollars to properly train the dogs, which are then given to families for only $1. The Furdals now want to pay their gift forward by fundraising, so another family can have the same opportunity.

“I want someone to have same opportunity as we have,” says Ken. “It’s a big step for us.”

He plans to run the full Scotiabank Calgary Marathon in May, to try and raise $40,000 for the cause. So far he’s gotten over $9,000 in pledges.

I can't wait to see Jakob's new friend.

Stacey

Day 4 of March

It has been a very busy couple of weeks.  Seems like my desk is losing the battle. Everytime I remove 1 thing from my to do list, two more things pop up. 
   I have been putting in a few more hours with my "kid" job.  The "personal assistant" from Mom has taken two weeks holidays (that should be outlawed Rosie) and I have been trying to fill those "big" shoes (but tiny feet).  I have come to realize, I like working with kids a whole lot better.  They are much easier to negotiate with, and although they get mad at you one minute, you still get hugs and kisses at the end of the day.  Thankfully I only have three more days of "assistant in training." 
    Today was an interesting day.  We took a field trip to the dentist.  I have made the kids a "book" about going to the dentist, and personalized it just for them.  We took the book with us, and the dentist came over while we were reading it.  To my surprise - he loved it, and I now have orders for about 16-20 more.  So although I might never get my poem book published, there is always hope for my "Visit to the Dentist" book.  ..... New York best seller list; probably not:  Pediatric dentist office reading material - Maybe! 
   I have to say, I am feeling very "blessed" for lack of a better word, with all the good things and people that I have coming into my life. 
   Speaking of good things in my life; I have been supplementing my meals with some vitamins and nutrients.  I am feeling healthier than I have felt in a long time; I have lost 13 pounds in a month; I have been reducing my anti-depressants and hopefully by the beginning of the summer, I will be off of those, and my energy level is better than it has been in a long time.  (hence the 500 jobs I keep doing).  Now part of that I'm sure if from the transition from winter into spring; and part of it is my brains acceptance of the change I want to make, but if it is safe, and natural, what have I got to lose. (hopefully another 15 pounds)
  This weekend is Easter.  We don't have any big plans.  We are taking my Mom out for lunch on Sunday.  She sounded excited when I asked her.  I dropped off some tiny Easter eggs to her on my last Wednesday visit. She likes to have candy around when the workers come in or anyone comes to visit. 
    Bill and I leave next week for Phoenix.  He's doing a golf clinic (if it works for Tiger) and I am going along as "eye candy."  (Let me live this fantasy out)  I'm looking for some great book ideas if anyone has any. 
     It has been a bitter, sweet day in our hockey world.  Our beloved Iggy has been traded to Pitts. Penguins.  I'm not an "over the top" hockey fan;  Sure I have my jersery and I like watching the games live; but I wouldn't stay inside on a Saturday night, just to watch "Hockey Night in Canada."  I did however have a tear in my eye when I heard the news.  And yet at the same time, I am very excited for this guy to be able to go to a team and actually have a chance at winning the cup this year.  (Is it still as prestigious even though they only played half a season?)  I don't know about his playing ability, but I know Calgary is losing a great guy, and when Pittsburgh is playing any team, I'll be cheering on Iggy. 
    K, my brain has run dry and I still have pants to hem for Mom.  Till my next blog.
Stacey

Day 3 of March

Wow.  Talk about your positive energy. 
Today was one of those wow days.
Woke up at 5:00 a.m., as I usually do during the week.  That's when Bill usually gets up and leaves for work.  I then turn on my radio, turn on a light, read a little, check out any important information on my IPad (that also includes games) and just relax until I have to get up.  My radio was set to the County station today.  I heard the rooster-wake up call; so I did what I usually do, I called.  The line was busy, so I hang up and redial, and sometimes my fingers get so fast, that today, it started ringing and I hung up; luckily we have call waiting, and the phone goes to the other line; I quickly realise my mistake and hit the other line button and just as I get on the ringing line, I hear Robin, the annoucer say whose this, and this turns out to me.  Yeah - tickets to Jubilations once again. 
  So I'm working a big smile on my face and I head into the kitchen for some breakfast.  I turn on the kitchen radio, and it's set on 103.  By now it's around 7:00 a.m. ish.  Just in time for Joanne's jukebox.  What have I got to lose.  So I call in, and it's ringing.  Don answers and tells me I'm caller 2.  If the first caller doesn't get the answer correct, they'll come to me.  So I'm listening and the advertisements are over and they go to caller 1.  The question was which song was number 1 this day in 1981.  He guesses the band and get's it correct, but gives the wrong song - so he doesn't win.  They come to me; I guess the correct band and the correct song../........  Yeah I win again.  Tickets to a movie premier and a show at the Deerfoot Inn and Casino.  Wow.  Never have I won on two stations in one day.  Now I'm thinking, I might as well try my luck at Lite 95.  So at 8:45 I listen for the cue to call.  Unfortunately, no luck there.  But really, it was all about the game again, and I'm ok with not getting through.  But it is a goal of mine, to keep trying that station and see how my positive energy pays out. 
   I basically told Bill that I have a third job, and it involves fun and games (and sometimes wins).

  The rest of the day was pretty quiet compared to my morning.  However, I did get a call from one of my bosses (not at a radio station) so give me the night off.  That worked out really well, because I ended up working one of the card stores from 9:00 til 3:00.  A long day for me.
  Then I got home and had another piece of good news.  Ashley called to advise she got a promotion at work.  She is now an assistant to Linda S. at SM.   I wonder if she wants some assistant advise from Rosie (hahahahaha)
  Anyway off to pay some bills, and then put my feet up to relax.  I am one tired puppy today.
Stacey

Day 2 of March

Happy St. Patrick's Day! 
Saw a cute post on my son's Facebook or Twitter account (yes I'm a mother stalker)  "Bless your little Irish heart and all your other Irish parts."  Apparently that's the name of he event he'll be attending today - all day. 
It is also Maya's birthday.  Maya has her own Facebook page, which I tend to access on a frequent basis.  Of course, being Maya's page, I put in her birthday.  Every year I have to count backwards to see just how old she is.  The only way I can remember is by the Cinco de Mayo gifts I've received.  So here goes:
2012  my Tiffany ring (although mine is gold)
2011  my train trip to Nova Scotia
2010  Vegas trip with my friend De
2009  my color photo printer
2008my diamond tennis bracelet (although mine doesn't have quite this many diamonds.
2007. our trip to guadalajara and the tequila train

and of course - my baby Maya.

2006

Now, I get the feeling I might be missing a year.  But I did some back checking and I think I've got it on track.  Thank goodness for this blog, because I was at least able to go back to 2009. 
So now the big questions is "What do I want this year for Cinco de Mayo?"  I did see a nice little (ok big) diamond ring on a lady; or maybe it's to see Taylor Swift (oh, wait, I've already booked those tickets!)  Could it be the trip to Scotland I've been wishing for..... or I'm thinking my own nice little summer car... 
I'll keep you posted in May on what I'm going to get (pretty much buy for myself)

Last night Bill and I watched a movie called "Bottle Shock."  Bill received it, along with a bottle of wine from a friend for Christmas.  Now if you were to just watch the movie by itself, you would probably think it was a little slow.  But if you watch the movie, and have the bottle of wine sitting in front of you (we didn't actually open the wine yet, as we were finishing a different bottle of wine) you will find the movie quite interesting.  Without having to explain the entire movie,  trying googling Chateau Montellena, and read the story.  Then watch the movie.  It's about how the wineries in California became competitive with French wines.  The movie is based on a true story.  It really was quite facinating and I'm not even a big wine drinker.

Anyway, off to get some housework done because it's just too darn cold to venture out of the house.
Stacey

Day 1 of March

Wow, it's been a couple of weeks since my last blog.  I guess I was waiting for my reminder from De or Alisa! 
  It's Friday, March 15th, and I actually have the day of today.  Well part of the day.  I still had to go into a couple of stores.  I was a little slow getting up this morning.  My body was a little sore and achy.  I took a little spill on the ice yesterday.  I was going for the mail, and the driveway for the golf course had some black ice hidden beneath a wiff of snow.  Luckily I didn't land on my head, but my elbow is scraped and bruised and the hip is a little bruised as well.  I was carrying my car keys and they went flying.  I looked and looked in the snow, but couldn't find them, finally as I'm about ready to get the mail, and take one last look around and there are my keys in the middle of the road.  thankfully I retrieved them before a car came and ran over them. 
   I going to spend the afternoon practising my (Bill's) harmonica.  I've been teaching myself how to play.  I'm can blow a good twinkle twinkle little start right now.  I'm hoping to have one of my Mom's favorite songs ready to play for her on a Wednesday visit.  I try and come up with new and exciting ways to entertain her on our Wednesday visits.   Last Wednesday, we went shopping to Walmart.  Mom came home with another new outfit.  I challenged her to wear a new outfit each day.  I'll settle for her compromise of every three days.
  I haven't seen the daughter in a couple of weeks.  She and Ethan are house sitting for Ethans parents who are in New Zealand. 
  Well, it's cold and wintery here once again, but when you see the beautiful frosted trees, and 6 deer walking by your house, you forget that the weather isn't ideal!
  Quick nap, and then off to practice.
Stacey