The Bubble...thoughts and other miscellaneous blabberings from me...

It has been wayyyyyyyyyyyyyyy too long

2011-08-17T11:15:00.003-05:00

It has been so long since I've blogged I hardly know where to begin.

We are having a very enjoyable Summer and I hope you all are too. You as in all my readers, which I'm hoping I still have! lol.

Not much is new with me - things in my love life are going very well. New boyfriend and I have been together almost a year - wow how time flies....I guess he needs a new nickname cause he's not really "new" anymore.

We get along as a family for the most part but blending sure is hard. I find NB spoils the crap out of his son and treats him like a baby...which gets on my nerves since the child is 7 years old...but I know there's things I do as a parent that bug NB too...so we're working through it all.

The boy has been at my mom's since July 25th and although it's been a nice break I miss him like crazy. He'll be flying home all alone one week from today...this will be one nervous mama until his plane lands and I have him in my arms!

In other news...my baby is no longer a baby and is entering 5th grade this year...wow I can hardly believe it. This will be his last year in elementary - next year it's on to middle school. Where does the time go??!??!!

I really can't think of anything else to write about...I'm such a sucky blogger these days.

Almost Wordless Wednesday

2011-05-04T10:51:00.004-05:00

Aren't they cute? This would be the boy and NB's boy "T". They fight like cats and dogs somedays but at the end of the day look how much they love each other...lol.

A Love Letter of Sorts

2011-03-23T10:04:00.002-05:00

In this day and age does anyone ever really pick up pen and paper and write love letters? I bet it still happens...but I also bet it's pretty rare.

Yesterday I received a pretty sweet text from NB (new boyfriend....it's been six months wonder when I should drop the "N") and I want a record of it before my phone goes and automatically deletes it after a period of time...so here it is:

I can't wait to see you...I love you for so many reasons.

I love you cause you make me happy without doing a thing.

I love you for the way you make my son smile and his face light up.

I love you for understanding my relationship with a crazy bitch (most of the time)

I love you for being a gamer...lol.

I love you cause you hold me when I'm sleeping and make the bad dreams go away.

You're the love of my life, the one I want to be with forever.

I could go on but I won't just know this...I love you for alot of reasons.

Isn't that just too cute? Btw, the crazy bitch he's referring to is his son's mother - it's been a rollercoaster dealing with her...but we're getting through it.

Goings on

2011-03-03T09:55:00.002-06:00

I was all set to come here and post the pics I have of the boy and his very first science fair project...but the pics still sit on my camera...maybe I'll come back later and post them. He got a silver ribbon and I was very proud of him because he did it all by himself. He was stressing towards the end because he was falling behind but still didn't want to bring it home so I could help him. He's very interested in our solar system so that's the topic he chose to research.

In other news he received an award for "most outstanding student" for the 2nd year in a row. Last year his gym teacher chose him (each teacher gets to choose a student or two) because he made such great progress with his athletics and was listening better in class. This year his 4th grade teacher chose him because he has had great attendance! I'm very proud of him. As a reward we get to go to a hockey game for free. That will take place on March 27th.

Almost Wordless Wednesday

2011-02-16T09:03:00.003-06:00

Time to share a pic of me and NB...it's a crappy pic and the only one I have of us in our (almost) 5 months together and those of you that are on my FB have probably seen it...but either way...here it is...lol.

Happy Wednesday Peeps...I hope you the sun is shining in your world (both figuratively and literally) like it is here in mine!

Okay so 2 pics lol. I look better in the 2nd one but what is up with the look on his face? haha.

I'm still alive

2011-01-26T10:07:00.003-06:00

I don't even know how long it's been since I've blogged...I guess this part of my life has kind of taken a back seat...that makes me sad! I miss my bloggy friends!

Me and the NB (new boyfriend) are still going strong...4 months yesterday. He's so easy to be with and easy to be around and although I figured there would be way more issues within our relationship because he also has a child...I have got to say that there have been absolutely none...we haven't even really had a disagreement.

Some of you that are long time readers know how different this is from my last relationship...we fought ALL OF THE TIME...and it drained me to no end.

We are planning a road trip in the Summer (kidfree) and I really can't wait...it may be too soon to say so....but I'm thinking he could be "the one".

Finally...Halloween pics...and other random tidbits

2010-11-15T08:59:00.006-06:00

As I sat down to blog this morning I realized I failed to share the boy's Halloween pics here...enjoy...

In other news I just came off of a kid free weekend. My mom was in the City to do some shopping and visiting and told me to feel free to take off for the weekend while she spent time with the boy. Being still in the somewhat beginning stage of our relationship me and my new BOYFRIEND (yes he's moved up from "the guy I'm seeing" to having an official title lol) spent the weekend together and believe it or not it was our first time without either of our kids! How absolutely marvelous it was.

We went to the movies Friday night...back to his place for drinks. Did some Christmas shopping on Saturday...early start for me I'm so not organized and I'm a procrastinator so I usually don't start until the beginning of December lol.

Saturday night he met one of my best friends and her boyfriend for the first time. We had appies and drinks at a nice little Mexican restaurant and then went out to the bar where my friend's boyfriend was playing (he plays in and manages a band). It was a great time and although the NEW boyfriend (maybe he'll be "NB" for now lol) is not really into the bar scene he made the most of it.

The boy is dying to set up our Christmas tree and I have to say I'm counting down the days to when I can start decorating for Christmas...although it's hard at times trying to find that perfect gift for everyone and making sure there is enough money to do so...I have to admit that the Christmas season is my favourite. I love everything about it...except of course the cold temperatures...if we could have snow and mild temps I'd be a very happy girl!!!

Deep Thoughts...

2010-10-27T09:34:00.002-05:00

So what defines a relationship these days? I have been seeing T now for 2 months yet I wonder if he would call me his girlfriend and/or if I should be referring to him as my boyfriend and not just "the guy I'm seeing". I'm in no rush to define things...but at the same time we've hung with each other's families...spent the last 5 nights together...our boys fight like siblings yet are the best of friends...sure feels like a relationship...

I find myself thinking some pretty deep thoughts...I don't question that I'm happy cause he really is the sweetest, kindest, most considerate man I've ever been with...I just wonder if I'm ready...but who am I to sabotage a good thing just because the timing might not be quite right! Right?

The built in 'family' suits me quite nice...it's really the first time I've dated a guy that has partial custody of his child (week on, week off) - I love his little boy and I can tell he's growing quite fond of me too...wanting to show me all kinds of things that he thinks are neat and cool. I've heard many step-parenting woes through the years and can imagine that if this relationship continues to get serious we will have our ups and downs where that is concerned...but honestly I feel like I'm up for the challenge...

Can I just say that the sexiest thing is watching a man be an outstanding father! Oh and it doesn't hurt he can cook too! lol.

In other news we are gearing up for Halloween - must carve pumpkin...maybe tonight! The boy has his costume and will be dressing up as "Rex" from Star Wars...he's a clone trooper if you didn't know...not to be confused with a storm trooper...as the boy would say.

School is still going well. My boy continues to amaze me with his participation is extra curricular activities at school. Currently he's in handball and is still enjoying being a patrol crosser.

I guess that's my update for now...I would like to promise that I will blog more regularly...but life keeps getting in the way...I hope I still have some readers!

What is new in the world of Mel?

2010-10-13T09:41:00.003-05:00

LOTS!

It's been awhile since I've posted...I don't know what it is...I have the time but sometimes I'm just too lazy to do anymore than read all of your blogs...sometimes I'm even too lazy to comment and I hate that!

So since I posted last - I put myself on Plenty of Fish (dating site for those that don't know) because I was lonely and looking for friends...nothing serious just someone to hang out with...I met 2 guys from there and they both turned out to be a little bit crazy...I mean I know I'm a pretty good catch but you can't want to spend every single waking moment with me after 2 dates...I just don't roll that way! I am a single mom...newly single at that...and I need time for ME sometimes too.

So needless to say after trying that route and failing...oh and having the ex-boyfriend find my profile and essentially stalk me on there...yeah decided it wasn't the route I wanted to take...

BUT there is someone in my life...we are taking it very very very slow...he's been a friend for years and in fact was my neighbour up until 2 years ago...the ex-boyfriend was extremely jealous of our friendship and forbid it...needless to say as soon as (hmmm what should I call him...lol) "T" found out that the ex-boyfriend and I split up he called me and we've been hanging out ever since. Our boys are friends from when we were neighbours and so far the boy approves of our 'dating'. He really only found out we were more than friends last weekend when he caught us holding hands lol.

I won't change my Facebook relationship status just yet...I just don't feel like I'm quite there yet...I've been calling it "almost a relationship" for about 3 days now...I guess I'm just scared that it's too soon.

The ex-boyfriend is still in touch on a weekly basis even though I've asked him to please just leave me be...he's having a very hard time accepting that it's over with us and there is no talking things out anymore...he crossed far too many lines.

So that's my 'love life' in a nutshell.

Now on to the boy - he's doing great in school - slightly sassy and his teacher does not approve which is great...I've found in the past that his teachers have let him get away with far too much! But besides the sassy attitude he's doing well academically and has joined every club the school offers - he immensely enjoyed Cross Country Running Club and is now in Homework Club and Handball Club. I love that he's so involved in the school. Oh and he's patrolling on his own too. At first he was peeved that they had to spend the whole month of September training and he wanted to stop being a patroler...but now that he's allowed to do it all on his own he's enjoying it alot!

OMG - 4th grade...

2010-09-13T11:05:00.002-05:00

My boy - as you embark on 4th Grade I am in shock that we are here already...I remember 4th grade...it was a whole lot of fun. I loved my teacher and she loved me...this was the year I really started to notice boys...me and my friends used to chase the cute boys and try and kiss them...lol. Maybe you'll have much the same experience...on the very first day of school last Thursday you had to help your poor little friend into the office because the girls were chasing him and he fell and cut his lip wide open...poor kid!!!! You've always been there to help when your friends need you...that must be a quality you get from me...I'm a helper!

You have expressed interest in the cross country running club...which starts today I might add...and you are also going to be a patrol crosser at lunchtime. Just don't go getting too busy...enjoy these years...they fly by so fast!!!

I love you kiddo...you and me...we make a great team...with you on my side I can conquer anything...and I hope you feel that same "safe place" in me.

Let's all Cheers to having lots and lots of fun!!!

2010-08-27T08:20:00.002-05:00

Summer is quickly coming to an end...it's been a life changing summer for me...as you all know from my last post. It's been just over two weeks since the ex-boyfriend and I have spoken...and let me tell you it's been a very fun and exciting two weeks...which just reaffirmed for me that I had done the right thing in ending it. As hard as it was...and as hard as it is to be a single mom yet again...it's what is right!

We spent last weekend at my friend's cabin and had a blast. Kids up late...adults up drinking all hours of the night...no worries and no stress...

I'm slowly entering the dating scene again...it's nice to flirt with random guys...haha. Don't get me wrong someday I want to meet the one for me...but right now I'm okay with just having some FUN.

School starts here in just over a week...the boy is less than impressed...I guess by 4th grade school isn't so fun and exciting anymore...I always liked it anyway because it meant new clothes...boys don't seem to care so much about that though...lol.

Sometimes the road of love...

2010-08-16T14:39:00.002-05:00

Leads to heartbreak...

I haven't posted in a couple of weeks...and when I have posted it feels like I haven't posted anything of any substance. The reason for that is...I have been very unhappy...life in general became very overwhelming and my relationship with the boyfriend has not been going well.

Last week we had a very dramatic argument - in turn he left the house in huff...being a weekday morning I had to leave for work and did just that...he proceeded to tell me that if I didn't leave work and let him back in the house (had forgotten his keys in said huff) he was calling the police on me...for what reason I'm not really sure...did he really think in his irrational mind that they'd go and break the door down and let him in???

Anyway - the police came to my workplace - it was VERY embarrassing and I will not be forgiving the boyfriend (or ex-boyfriend as he will now be referred to) anytime in the near future. He is currently at his mother's and trying everything in his power to win me back...but quite frankly although I didn't talk about it alot here on this blog we've had a very overly emotional relationship right from the start...he knows how to push my buttons and I his...we fight like cats and dogs...more now than ever...do I really want the boy growing up thinking 'home is a tense place'...no I don't...I want home to be a happy, fun place...well as much as it can be anyway.

No I haven't removed his picture from my header...I just haven't had time yet...but that will be happening soon...

Back to single mommyhood I go...it's scary as heck...but I think I can do it...

Wordless Wednesday

2010-08-04T20:04:00.001-05:00

It's taken forever to get these posted...and now I have even more pics I want to share...love summah time!

2010-08-01T16:10:00.006-05:00

Bon Jovi Pics!!!

This first one shows you just how huge the outdoor stadium is...concert attendance was 46,000 ppl...crazy eh?

Here's me showing off my new pic camera and of course the Bon Jovi t-shirt...love it...

Oh he's so dreamy....

One of my besties "E"

My other bestie "P"

Again...had to just keep taking pics cause he's so damn fine...

Next up...our day at the Festival yesterday...we had so much fun! We all rode the ferris wheel for the very first time...each and every one us has a fear of heights but we conquered that fear and had a nice enjoyable ride! And I convinced the boy to ride the Tilt-a-Whirl with me...love that ride!!!

Wordless Wednesday - A sneak peek

2010-07-21T20:07:00.003-05:00

Best concert - so much fun!!!

Well it's Official...

2010-07-18T15:02:00.004-05:00

I am 30...and if yesterday was any indiciation of how my 30s are going to be...well let's just say I had a blast and it may very well go down as the best birthday EVAH!!!

The evening started out with some ribs for dinner that the boyfriend had smoked for 6 hours on Friday...they were falling off the bone and yummy yummy! As you can tell...the boyfriend literally devours them...this picture totally cracks me up...and yes a few drinks had been consumed by this point (lol).

Then I set off for my friend E's house...for some lovely wine...and a pretty little happy birthday tiara...I have no pictures of me wearing it but I'm sure they will surface at some point!

There were balloons:

and even a cake...YUM

Oh and did I forget to mention the silly string in the face??? I was pulling it out of my hair for hours!

We primed up pretty good and then were off to Bon Jovi...I got some great pictures there but you'll have to stay tuned...

Oh and I did get a new camera for my birthday...I need to play with the settings and figure them all out because a few of my pics came out very blurry yesterday...but in true Mel form I never read the manual....just figured I'd be able to figure it all out on my own...it's a pretty little pink camera...love it! Oh and I got new bedsheets too...love those too!

Not quite Wordless Wednesday

2010-07-14T17:16:00.005-05:00

Ain't it funny that as I posted my 9 year old boy's birthday pictures to Facebook this afternoon that I realized this is the first time I've actually had photos of his birthday party...The disposable camera that houses his 7 year party is sitting on top of my cupboard still waiting to be developed...I'm ONLY 2 years late...

Then last year...the stupid batteries died in the camera even though I know I had charged them the very night before...sometimes I hate technology!!!

So this year...although they aren't the best pics (I've hinted to the boyfriend it's definitely time for a new camera...hello my birthday is SATURDAY...start shoppin'! lol) I'm so glad to be able to share a few.

(ignore the stupid date stamp that shouldn't have appeared...again with stupid and old technology!)

Update

2010-07-13T08:31:00.002-05:00

Boy it sure has been a whirlwind of a few weeks! 2 camping trips and a trip to my friend/co-worker's cabin made it quite busy. Don't get me wrong we all had a blast, swimming and fishing and enjoying the nice weather...everything has been perfect...well except those darn pesky mosquitos...

So this week I'm relaxing (somewhat)...the boy has ditched me for all the fun activities daycare has in store and I have decided since it's a rainy week...to take a few days and try and organize our basement which is full of a whole lot of junk!

I thought I'd be bored with the boy out of the house and the boyfriend working crazy hours...but in all honesty I'm loving this 'me' time. When I'm not packing for camping trips and/or cleaning house I've been watching movies and lots of them...girlie movies lol. Something I rarely treat myself to.

Only 5 more days till I turn 30 and me and my girls go to see Bon Jovi...woot woot! I'm sooooooooooooooooo flippin' excited!

Oh Summer how I love thee

2010-06-28T11:00:00.002-05:00

Summer brings us nice warm sun
For swimming, fishing, and lots of fun
For finding seashells in the sand
For sunbathing to get a tan
To do all these things and more
At the beach and seashore

~author unknown

So tomorrow marks the last day of school for my boy - yes we have school right up until the very end of June here. I start holidays for 2.5 weeks on Thursday and we are heading out on our very first camping trip of the season that day...usually by now we've been out camping at least once or twice...but alas having a child in sports hindered us from having a free weekend for the entire month of June!

This shall prove to be an interesting camping trip...my mom, brother and nephew are tagging along. I'm sure we'll have a blast as long as the kids don't fight too much ;)

I plan to spend much of my vacation outdoors soaking up some rays...so please let the every other day rainstorms halt right this very second...we've seen enough rain...well...for the rest of the Summer!

As you can probably tell my very favourite thing to do in the Summer is camp and sit by the water at the beach. I hope I have plenty of time to do that this Summer.

What about you...what is your favourite summer time activity?

Worldless Wednesday

2010-06-23T08:52:00.001-05:00

It Happened at Work

2010-06-17T20:19:00.003-05:00

It's been awhile since I've participated in Mama Kat's Writers Workshop...and I miss it...it's always a fun and interesting post...usually something I wouldn't otherwise think to blog...so here goes...

The Prompts:

1.) The popular girls.
2.) It happened at work.
3.) “How long until you realized you had no talent or patience for this? Tell the story (true or fiction) of trying to learn a new talent or hobby that you only pursued briefly.”
4.) “Who first told you that it’s not nice to stare? Write about a time you stared when you maybe shouldn’t have, or a time when someone stared at you.”
5.) Describe a happy reunion.

*************************************************************************************

This week I'm going with:

2.) It happened at work.

So this is one that goes down in the "Fillmore Funny Farm" history...a story that gets told often when we are at Christmas parties and a little tipsy ;)

For the record, I work as a legal assistant for 3 lawyers...we are an office about 80 support staff all women...with about 60 lawyers mostly men...just to set the premise!

Anyway...one day about 3 years ago we had a new receptionist start...she was young (maybe 22) and seemed pretty put together. Caught on quickly and showed up for work again the next day...all was well...until...

She went for lunch...and I guess decided to have a drink...and then another...and then another...(we speculate she must have had quite a bit in the hour she was gone)...she called up to work and said 'she was running late' in very slurred speech that her relief couldn't even understand her.

Apparently then things got ugly...she had to come up a flight of stairs to the elevator bank...and apparently fell...and was bleeding at the knee...and someone notified security...and she didn't know they were following her...and then they somehow lost her...and then she came back into work and walked up to the front desk to take her seat. The poor cute girl that was covering her lunch hour had no idea what to do...looked like a deer caught in headlights...

So I come to the rescue...ask if everything is okay...and she motions to "drunk girl" (as we so fondly call her now)...and whispered...I think there is something wrong with her...I immediately smelt the alcohol and told the scared straight young student to call our HR manager...at this point...security comes off the elevator...and see "drunk girl" and ask if she's okay and say she took a pretty hard fall on the stairs...an ambulance was called...she looked so ill...I even wonder if she had alcohol poisoning...but like...who does that? 2nd day on the job???

The kicker it was an early (out of work at 3:00) Friday...this was noonish...she had 2 hours...and even better...it was the Friday before the September long weekend...so to drunk girl I say...2 freakin' hours...that's all you had to wait and then you could have gotten so smashed...and not have been on company time...

Wordless Wednesday

2010-06-09T20:22:00.002-05:00

Kids and Sports...

2010-06-08T08:58:00.002-05:00

So I don't know if I mentioned before that this season of the boy playing baseball is our first experience with sports. I was never one to push the boy into anything...just gently inquire and up till this year he was not interested in joining any sports. Having been a child that was forced into dance lessons long after I was completely 'over' them...I was determined never to push the boy into something he wasn't really interested in...not to mention the waste in money if I couldn't convince him to attend...

Anyway...I've just got to rant here a bit about our coach...the man never speaks...is obviously painfully shy...so I really try not to fault him and us other parents have really tried to pick up the slack by yelling the plays to the kids as they go...who knew 8/9 year old kids had no clue how the rules of the game work...actually who knew that most of us adults didn't even know...okay maybe that's just the women lol (but 6 weeks in...I think we're all getting it!). But the kicker is how disorganized he is. We found out last night that the kids have a tournament this Saturday...that will be 3 games back to back and a total of about 6 hours...wow! We had already planned to attend Family Fun Day at the boy's daycare so he's less than thrilled.

Please pray we at least have sunshine on Saturday...if I'm spending 6 hours outside I want it to be sunny and warm!

And now on to...

2010-06-01T13:43:00.002-05:00

June! I find lately I just have no time for blogging...I'm sorry my dear readers but life has taken over...lol.

The month of May was busy busy busy...

First we had Mother's Day, then the boy's birthday, the boyfriend and I had our anniversary...and mix in there working fulltime and baseball 2 nights a week.

This month shall be much calmer...we have the boyfriend's birthday next week and the end of the boy's baseball season.

One month from today and I start 2 weeks of vacation and boy do I need it! I'm hoping to spend a good majority of it camping since we haven't had a chance to get away from the city much at all yet.

So that's where I've been...I hope to get into a more regular routine this month...if nothing more I should at least start posting a regular Wordless Wednesday...geesh how hard is it to post a picture???

Wordless Wednesday - I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream!

2010-05-19T08:28:00.004-05:00

Mothers Day

2010-05-10T18:37:00.003-05:00

I hope everyone had a great one!

The boy made me the cutest little flower petal card that says the following:

I love you because:

You are nice to me

You play games with me

You always keep your promises

You give me food to eat

Isn't he the cutest?!?! I sure think so!

He also made me breakfast in bed...and without the boyfriend around to help (sadly he had to work all day)...best toaster pancakes and milk I've ever tasted.

Now if you'll excuse me...I must finish frosting 26 cupcakes...and then I must get to wrapping a certain boy's birthday presents since the big day is TOMORROW...how do I have a 9 year old??? That time just flew on by...all 9 years of it...

Here One Day...Gone The Next...

2010-05-08T15:43:00.002-05:00

I don't mean to grab your attention by being so morbid on this fine Saturday afternoon...but something in my life is consuming me and I figure what better place to get out my feelings than this here blog...after all it is a diary of sorts at times.

Last week was very emotional...it started off great...but early Wednesday morning we got an email at work that one of our co-workers had passed away...it was shocking nonetheless as this woman was young (23 years old) and appeared healthy...but our administration staff was tight lipped and would not give any further details. That led the rest of us to wait and wonder what the heck was going on...she was new to our office beginning there in early March...but had made a couple of friends that said she hadn't been to work since Friday and the last time anyone had contact with her was Saturday evening...

So being the women we are...the majority of us searched the paper for car accidents or anything of the sort...even her obituary was nowhere to be found...what we did come across can only be described as shocking...there was a suspicious death in a condo of a young woman in her mid-20s...we all hoped and prayed this was not our co-worker...but after we returned from lunch our worst fears were confirmed...the media had named our co-worker and also described her gruesome murder...she was stabbed in the back - I can't get the mental image out of my head and can't stop thinking about how scared she must have been...not to mention the fact that because she lives alone had our human resources manager not contacted her family she may have not been found for a very long time...

They finally made an arrest yesterday - turns out the family is pretty twisted and she had a crazy uncle (not blood) that seemed obsessed with her...she even had a retraining order against him that recently expired...I can't help but think that our justice system failed her...this poor girl...she was so sweet and always had a smile on her face...I can't even walk past her desk without getting a knot in my throat each and every time...

I wish I had taken the time to get to know her better...she helped me out on numerous occasions in her short time at our office and I can definitely say that although she wasn't there for a long time she will be missed...we are all changed in that we know not to take each day for granted...here today gone tomorrow...it's a sad reality to have to face...

The Month of May

2010-05-03T09:04:00.002-05:00

It's been so long since I've blogged...that seems to be the way I start every post lately, isn't it?

I miss you all so much and hope to get back to regular blogging and reading all of your blogs very soon. Work has been busy...home has been busy...when something has got to give (unfortunately) it's usually blogging. But I miss reading all about you and your families!

We are in the beginning of a new month...a very special month for me. The boy was born this month and will have his 9th birthday in just 8 short days...where does the time go?!?!

The very next day (May 12th) will mark 3 years since the day I met the boyfriend...3 years...in some senses it feels like we've been 'an old married couple' for years and in other senses it's like we are in our first few months of dating. I love that he still gives me butterflies...and that we make each other laugh...we both laughed so hard the other night...he really is my very best friend!

The start of this month also means the start of the boy's baseball season...unfortunately after having summer like temps since mid-March we are back to cold and rain...and maybe even snow...NOOOOOOOOOOO say it ain't so...needless to say his very first baseball game scheduled for tonight will likely be cancelled...such is life...

Writers Workshop - Fear

2010-04-08T18:41:00.007-05:00

The Prompts:

1.) Baby fever is in the air. Describe what you would do differently as a first time mom.
2.) What book captured your heart? Write about why the first book you loved is the first book you loved.
3.) Who is a bird-brain? Think about all the birds you’ve seen–from songbirds to hunters. Compare one or more people you know to different types of birds in a piece of writing.
4.) Why do we need 26? If you could change the alphabet, what would you do? Add? Subtract? Combine? Simplify? Write about it.
5.) Where does that fear come from? Write about something that frightens you that other people might find ridiculous. Write about it in a poem, a story, or whatever.

It's been awhile since I've done Mamakat's Writer's workshop...heck it's been awhile since I've blogged anything of real substance, right? I've even lost followers....oopsie...

Anyway, today I'm going with No. 5. Do you want to know what I'm scared of??? Well besides the obvious...someone I love dying, etc...the thing that scares me most is BIRDS...any and all kinds...big ones, small ones...you name it I don't like it!

I've grown up around pet birds...though we never had one at our house - my Uncle, that we visited quite often, had many...not to mention sperm donor who I dated for 3 years...yeah his parents had several 'house birds' as they called them. And I guess those 2 houses could very well be where my fear started...you see both families would let their birds fly around the house and they'd 'relieve themselves' where ever they saw fit...NASTY!!!! Not to mention they'd come flying at you out of nowhere and scare the bejeezus out of you...or well...me anyway!!!

Maybe it's a mutual hatred...because they seem to have it 'out for me'.

So what about you...what scares you?

Wordless Wednesday - Almost

2010-04-07T08:53:00.002-05:00

This is much of what our Easter weekend was spent doing...the boy will be joining our local community club's baseball team this year and he wants to practice everyday until the season starts!

Hard...But Very Rewarding...and Other Random Happenings

2010-03-30T09:10:00.003-05:00

The boyfriend and I quit smoking 2 weeks ago today...though there have been a couple of slip ups on both our parts I feel overall we are doing fantastic. Most days I don't even have the craving anymore if I just don't think about it. My biggest downfall by far is being around other smokers. It doesn't happen often since the only one I really know that smokes is the boyfriend's mom and she's already agreed that when she comes for Easter dinner on the weekend she'll smoke outside.

In other news, my mom and nephew came for a visit this past weekend. We had a great time and it was nice to have another little one hanging around. The boyfriend was adamant that we just had to keep my nephew cause he was sooooooooooo cute...okay, I get it...he's not a puppy though lol.

I will share some pics of the cutie cousins playing together tomorrow for Wordless Wednesday.

We've had some great weather the past few days and it's starting to feel like Summer already. The boy will be playing baseball for the first time through our community club beginning in just a few weeks, though he plays everyday at daycare when the weather is nice so it's not something totally new...and he's quite good at it...the warmer temps have gotten the boyfriend excited about finding a glove of his own and practising with the boy...so we'll be on the hunt this weekend for some adult size baseball gloves.

I haven't even started thinking about Easter nevermind shopping for it...so I better get on that!

Likely the Hardest Thing I've Ever had to Do

2010-03-17T14:46:00.003-05:00

The boyfriend and I have decided it's time to quit smoking...I've always been a "light" smoker...as in I smoke less per day than any smoker I know and have even gone days without having one...but the fact of the matter is I always knew I could light up whenever I wanted to and that's what got me through. But a year ago when the boyfriend started smoking (again) I found we were both smoking more and more...and lately it's hard to make ends meet because we are spending so much money on cigarettes...

Smoking for me has always been like a long lost friend...I enjoy it...immensely. I like the taste and the smell and it gives me something to do with my hands. But there are major health risks and I for one want to be around to watch the boy grow old and maybe some day get married and have kids of his own...so I knew quitting smoking was in my/our best interest.

Today is day 2. I've got a cold and a killer sore throat...so I'm sure that is helping things along. But I found yesterday that the only time I really craved a smoke was when I was relaxed and it was late at night...instead I chose to stuff my face full of barbeque peanuts lol. So am I destined to gain a little weight while we jump this hurdle...probably...but I think in the end it will be worth it.

So wish us luck please! The boyfriend is using the patch and I'm going 'cold turkey'.

Wordless Wednesday

2010-03-10T12:19:00.002-06:00

Reflection

2010-03-09T09:08:00.002-06:00

Have you ever sat and reflected on your life? Ever reach a certain age and think to yourself "Am I where I thought I'd be in life by this age?"

I find myself doing that alot lately...perhaps it's the fact that my 30th birthday is fast approaching...perhaps it's the fact that the boy will soon be 9 years old...and I just always thought I'd have accomplished so much more as he grew older.

Don't get me wrong...I am proud of the things I have accomplished in life. I love my job and have definitely chosen the right career path...I also love the boy more than words can ever say and I marvel at how smart he is each and every single day...not to mention he's kind and thoughtful. I love the boyfriend and that will never change regardless of our different views on where our lives are going. We know we'll be together...but will our relationship ever move from where we are today? That question remains unanswered.

But as I watched Molly and Jason (yes the cheesy Bachelor special that I of course had to tune into) wed last night I couldn't help but feel sad...sad for the things I've never experienced in life and maybe never will. I always saw myself with a houseful of children...not just one...though I am grateful for him, there are many that struggle with infertility and never get to have that one child they yearn for. I also always thought I'd be swept away...relationships are full of romance and fun and excitement...they aren't hard...or at least that's what we are led to believe as little girls...

The harsh reality is...I haven't accomplished any of the goals I've had for myself...the boyfriend and I aren't married and as time goes on I wonder if it's just not meant to be that way...it's not a priority for him...this I knew when I met him...so why did I settle?

There are no talks of future children even though I've always wanted more...I mean yes, there is the "maybe someday" sort of talks...but nothing serious...again I wonder when I decided that was okay with me....or is it really...

Yes, some deep thoughts today...bear with me...I hope to sort it all out but the truth is I really feel like I've been jipped...like the plan I had in mind for myself for the past 30 years was stolen from me...like I may always feel like something is missing...it's a struggle somedays to get through life...but I always remind myself that we are happy and healthy and there are some out there that don't even have a roof over their heads or food in their belly...so although I feel at a loss as far as where my life is headed and what my purpose here on earth really is...I do know that I am thankful for what I do have.

Back to Regularly Scheduled Programming

2010-03-01T09:41:00.002-06:00

Do you have what the media is referring to as an "olympic hangover" - defined by Urban Dictionary as: A feeling of utter tiredness in the morning hours because of staying up too late watching the Olympics on television.

Let me tell you the past 2 weeks I've stayed up entirely too late watching figure skating, hockey, skiing, snowboarding...you name it...I watched it. It's funny because I've never really gotten into the olympics much before...but having it here in Canada and the boy being right at the age where watching sports is super cool...and well the boyfriend is into it too...I really quite enjoyed watching all the events. It helps that Canada was dominant in winning gold...such a rush of excitement each and every time!

Oh and that hockey game yesterday...this wouldn't be an olympic post without mentioning that...were you on the edge of your seat...biting your nails...heart beating fast...as the game went into overtime??? I know I was! But our Canadian boys showed those American boys just whose sport HOCKEY really is!!!

Oh and I thought it hilarious that in the closing ceremonies something was said along the lines of "well what did you think...Canada was one giant Frozen Tundra?"...in reference to the warm weather we've had in British Columbia...of all the Canadian cities/provinces to pick to host the games they just had to choose the one that doesn't even get winter...unlike here in Winterpeg...

So now that I won't be up all hours of the night watching the games...I hope to get back to regular blogging...but of course tonight I'll be tuning in to the Bachelor as Jake chooses between Vienna and Tenley...I bet it's a great (albeit dramatic) ending to this season...have you seen the magazines at the checkout in your local grocery store??? I caught a glimpse the other day and boy if they're right...well I may just have to quit watching...haha...as if!

The Boy loves his Mama...oh and a few 'isms' too

2010-02-15T13:19:00.004-06:00

I hope everyone had a fantastic Valentine's Day. Ours was very low key because the boyfriend was working most of the weekend...but I did get a dozen roses...I may or may not have had to ask for them (romance is not the boyfriend's strong suit lol) and they sure are pretty!!! You see Valentines Day is a nice holiday...but I've spent it alone more years than I've spent it with my special someones...so it's never really been a big deal.

The boy noticed this morning that I didn't get a card OR chocolates for Valentines Day...so he made me his very own card. Here's what it said (spelling mistakes and all!) :

To mom happy holdday love you to the moon and back from your son

p.s. your the bast!

Isn't that adorable? By the way today is a stat holiday here in Manitoba so I have today off work...it's been marvelous lounging around and showering at ohhhhhhh...12:30 lol.

And I'll leave you now with a few 'isms' that I wanted to be sure to jot down...you see my boy says some words incorrectly (yes even at 8 years old) and there is just no correcting him cause he's adamant he's saying the words the right way lol. So here are a few off the top of my head...

Suitcase = Soupcase
Library= Liberry
Valentines = Valentimes

Too cute...I wonder if he'll still pronounce the words that way when he's 35 years old lol.

Almost Wordless Wednesday!

2010-02-10T12:12:00.004-06:00

Have you missed me??? I hope to get back to regular blogging really soon!

In the meantime I leave you with this pic that I took last week at Family Read night at the boy's school...where Spiderman made an appearance...the kids were star struck! lol.

Almost Wordless Wednesday!

2010-02-10T12:12:00.001-06:00

Bzzzzzzzzzzzy Busy Busy!

2010-01-22T21:03:00.002-06:00

Here I sit all by myself...the boy just crawled into bed and the boyfriend is working his first overnight. I'm taking this evening to reflect on all the chaotic craziness that has been my life the past month or so!

It's been quite overwhelming...what with the boyfriend's job loss 5 days after Christmas...then the chaos of him job hunting...but thankfully the lord has provided for us and we are going to make it because the boyfriend was only out of work for 2 weeks. It's funny though how life can change in the blink of an eye and be full of worry and stress...isn't it? But I just kept on reminding myself that we will get through this...and you know what we are better off for it. The boyfriend loves his new job and there isn't the stress of witnessing clients being abused as was taking place at his last place of employment (the boyfriend does respite work for mentally challenged individuals)...and as a bonus he's even making more money at this new job...I've been finding myself realizing that God really does work in mysterious ways!

My mom was just here for a week long visit...at times I feel we are very close and then others we seem far away...it's odd really. She values her time with the boy and 'stole' him from me overnight every night this week so he could stay at the fancy hotel with her. I definitely enjoyed the time 'off' and being able to reconnect with the boyfriend..but sometimes I miss that she used to want to spend all her free time with me...guess the boy is just more fun these days! lol. We did get an evening together when we 'accidentally' (read ignored the signs) snuck into the mineral pool at the hotel...apparently it's for spa customers only...as hotel guests we could use the pool and water slide but NOT the mineral spa...haha!

Work has been insane and the weekends even crazier...last weekend I had my extended family over and cooked a turkey...this weekend we have shopping, birthday party (Attending not hosting lol) and lots of cleaning...so boy am I enjoying this quiet time while I can.

Devastation

2010-01-15T17:16:00.002-06:00

Unless you've been living under a rock and never have your tv or radio on...then you've heard about the devastation in Haiti. I am sick over what has happened to so many lives and how the survivors have been effected. This morning on the news I heard that the death toll has reached approximately 50,000 people. 50,000???!!! Can you even wrap your head around that? I know I'm having a hard time.

The boy's school had a fundraiser today and he was determined to wear the flag colours (as the school suggested) blue and red. He also wanted to donate all the money he had being $5.00 that my grandfather gave to him the other night when we all went out for dinner. Every little bit helps! I was so proud of my boy for thinking of others and not himself. What a difference we can make even by just opening our wallets and donating as little as $1.00. If money is tight (as it is in our house with the boyfriend being jobless for 2 weeks) then at least I can open up my mind and heart and pray alot!

I also wanted to update you and all and let you know that the boyfriend did in fact find another job and his first day was today! I'm patiently (okay not so patiently) waiting for him to walk through the door now and let me know how it went.

I hope you all have a great weekend. Love a little bit harder, hug a little bit tighter and smile often!

Friend Makin' Monday - Hairstyles

2010-01-11T09:43:00.004-06:00

Amber over at aefilkins is asking the following question:

If you cut your hair tomorrow, what would it look like?

Funny she should ask such a question when I've been having quite the hair dilemma lately...I can't for the life of me decide what I want to do with my hair...but I do know it's time for a change!

I've had short hair before...in fact I have a few pics of the short hair:

Although I liked having short hair and people constantly tell me (when it's short) how great it looks...I prefer having longer hair...like it is now...the pic below is from last Summer...but my hair is much the same today because I've only had it trimmed once or twice since. I like having the option to tie it back...wear it partially up or just wear it down. I like to have it wavy most days but will straighten it when the mood strikes or we're going out.

So I guess if I were to cut my hair tomorrow...I'd likely change it...but not a drastic change. Perhaps just maybe add a little side swept bang to offset my huge forehead! lol. Maybe something like this....

A Little of This and a Little of That

2010-01-08T09:03:00.003-06:00

I've been meaning to blog all week but I haven't had any real good topics to blog about...I'm also lacking blogging ambition!

But I wanted to update you all on what's been going on in our lives lately.

First off the boyfriend has had some very interesting job prospects this week...I'm excited that he might actually find a job he enjoys (he hated the way the last company was run and most days it showed) and where he could even make more money (always a bonus)!

I had a little bit of a mini-breakdown the other day...just the stresses of life...but thankfully my two best girls were able to cheer me up and make me feel like the things going on in life really "aren't the end of the world". I tend to blow things up and make myself miserable in the process.

The boy is being an 8 year old boy...he's loving all his new Christmas toys...last week we went and spent his Christmas money (from grandpa) and he decided he wanted zhu zhu pets...can I just tell you how darn annoying they are??? They make a ton of noise lol. But in the end better than a real hamster (which the boyfriend had suggested)...no rodents in my house thankyouverymuch!!!!

Work is going well...but I'd much rather be reading your blogs than busy with actual work...blech. I've been trying to read when I can...but since we have internet explorer at work I can't get to some of your blogs...which may explain my lack of commenting. I will definitely try and get on from home over the weekend to read those blogs I can't access here cause I miss catching up with you all!

Hope everyone has a great weekend...

Oh and you'll be pleased to know that this year I remembered to change the year on my date stamper...unlike last year. lol.

Wiis and Miis

2010-01-05T09:46:00.002-06:00

So if you have a Wii you know how much fun they are! We have played off and on since Christmas...giving ourselves breaks only when our arms and/or shoulder muscles were too sore to play any longer. Right now we only have a handful of games...but the one we love most is the Wii Sports. I can't wait to get either Wii Play or Wii Resort soon because I hear they are just as fun as the sports.

The boy has made about 100 different Miis on our Wii...the boyfriend and I crack up everytime we play because of the silly names he gives them. So cute!

So I gotta say...definitely...hands down...best Christmas present this year! I love that it gets us interacting as a family...even though the boy seems to think he's WAY better than the boyfriend and I at all the sports games...granted he's had a little more experience...and well...the boyfriend and I have slow reaction time...so tennis and baseball are a little harder than say the bowling (my personal favourite).

So what was your best Christmas present this year?

2010 - A Year for Change

2009-12-31T09:34:00.003-06:00

Or so it seems already...

The boyfriend lost his job yesterday...I won't get into the details (just yet anyway) because there is an investigation pending, not against him but against the company.

I really do believe he did the right thing even though it cost him his job.

Initially I was shocked and worried...what will this mean for our family? But really I do make a decent wage and my job is not at risk (in fact one of my bosses took me to lunch yesterday and asked me question after question about whether I was unhappy with any aspect of my job because he doesn't want to lose me - guess that's what a few 'lifers' leaving the firm does...gets them all a little worried) so we'll make it work. We'll cut out the extras until he finds something...and we'll live on love.

Happy New Year to all my bloggy friends out there! Hope this year is the best one yet! Whatever you are doing tonight remember to stay safe...we'll all be home tucked away in our house waiting for the ball to drop...who knows...maybe I'll even let the boy stay up and join in the festivities...non-alcoholic wine for him though ;)

Friend Makin' Mondays - New Years Resolutions

2009-12-28T14:05:00.003-06:00

Amber over at aefilkins is asking us what our new years resolutions are this year...so here are a few goals I have in mind...

1. First and foremost this year it is my goal to become a non-smoker. I no longer want to be a part of the smokers club...yes I enjoy it and it will be a tough habit to kick...but it's dirty and gross and hella expensive!!!

2. I would love to get into a regular exercise routine...I tend to be able to get into one and keep it up for a month or two...and then before I know it my routine (and exercise in general) falls to the wayside...I hope this year I can change that.

3. Live life to the fullest and without regrets...I know that seems like common sense...but sometimes I need to remind myself not to dwell on the negatives.

4. Last but not least...save save save. We have so much we want to accomplish...buying our first home...getting engaged...going on a vacation...all of which costs money. I am currently in debt and want to get out of it so I can move forward financially...just call me penny pincher from now on lol.

So what are your goals for 2010?

Friend Makin' Mondays - All I want for Christmas...

2009-12-21T08:53:00.003-06:00

Link up with Amber over at aefilkins and tell us all what YOU want for Christmas this year...here's my list:

1. First and foremost I am so thankful for the beautiful little family I have. I'm so excited to spend Christmas with my two favourite boys!

- I really feel this year that the boy, the boyfriend and I are a family now. It took a few years to get over the "it's me and the boy against the world" mentality I had since I was single and raising the boy alone for so long. But we've jumped that hurdle and sometimes I look at the boyfriend with the boy and forget what life was like before he came into it. So all that to say...I hope on Christmas morning they both have big smiles on their faces (I know I will!)...and we create memories that will last a lifetime!

2. I picked out the bedding that I'm getting...but I really really wanted it...so that makes me happy! The boyfriend did pay for it...I just picked it out lol. It's torturing me not to be able to put it on my bed NOW...

3. I know how badly the boyfriend wanted to be able to put a pretty little diamond ring on my finger this Christmas...the boy would really like that too...and well of course I would love it...but alas money is tight these days and the boyfriend has a few loose ends to tie up where his previous relationship is concerned...but we've talked about it ALOT...and over the weekened we were browsing rings online...and I do believe I found the one I want...the boyfriend loves it too...so we both have faith that we'll be able to make it happen soon. So maybe I won't get it for Christmas...but I just know he won't disappoint me...and we'll be a forever family very soon.

So to sum it all up...I want us all to be happy and healthy and have lots fun!!!!

Have You Ever???

2009-12-18T14:27:00.003-06:00

Have you ever gotten so drunk in front of your boss that you were scared to go into work the next day...lol. Well I shouldn't say scared...I was really just worried that I was a little too loose lipped in front of him...but as I've said in the past not much really embarasses me...so I knew after the initial good morning chat (we have daily) that he'd either pick on me or not make mention of it all...

He chose to pick on me...so he must have been amused instead of annoyed! Oh and for the record this was a party at work...though after hours...so I let my hair down a little (or rather alot!).

I haven't had too much time for blogging as you may have noticed...I'm sure many of you are just as busy as I am...though I bet some of you are far more organized and are actually done your shopping...whereas this girl here...is not! My bestie and I plan to hit the 24 hour stores tonight and get it all done...wish us luck!

A Year Already?

2009-12-15T09:28:00.006-06:00

Almost...but not quite yet...a year...a whole year since I started this blog with this post here. Can you believe it??? I know I can hardly believe it myself...the year has just flown by.

Have you been here from the beginning or are you a new follower of mine??? Most of my posts seem like rambling nonsense to me...so I can just imagine what it's like on the other end, through your computer screen lol.

But I thank you all for following me...I like to use this blog to document the happenings in our lives but it's so much more fun when I have comments to look forward to. No I don't get 100 comments per post like some blogs I read...but the 5 comments I do get mean the world to me. I've grown very close to some (most) of you...funny how that happens through a silly thing like the internet that didn't even exist (at least on my radar) 10 years ago.

And for now...just to go with all the random that is me...here is a picture from Christmas morning last year...oh how my boy has grown...

15 More Days!!

2009-12-10T09:43:00.003-06:00

But who is counting??? lol.

I'll tell ya who...my boy! He just wants Christmas to be here NOW! It doesn't matter in his little world that we still have plenty to do before Christmas...for example this weekend we have plans to go visit Santa at the mall (though the boy knows that's not the real Santa...they are all just Santa's helpers...afterall how could he possibly be at every mall in the world!), we must bake gingerbread cookies...and maybe even build a gingerbread house (if I decide I have the time and patience lol).

But I too want Christmas to come my boy...I can't wait to see the look on your face when you get not one but TWO of the things you want most in the world right now! One of those things cost me a pretty penny...but no matter...all the money in the world is worth that precious smile and twinkle you get in your eye this time of year...I think this may just be YOUR favourite time of year...despite the cold that you hate (just like your mama)...we love to look at Christmas lights together and enjoy the little dusting of snow we have now...but when we get more and the weather warms up...maybe about 10 degrees or so...we'll definitely head out sledding...one of our most favourite past times. So treasure these next 15 days buddy...I know I will!

Friend Makin' Mondays - Most Embarrassing Moments

2009-12-07T10:45:00.003-06:00

Amber over at aefilkins is hosting Friend Makin' Mondays and this week she's asking us to describe some of our most embarrassing moments. As a rule I am not easily embarrassed...I am an open book and wear my heart on my sleeve...so it's not like some deep dark secret is going to come out at our family Christmas dinner and embarrass me.

BUT...my little toddler (back when he was a toddler) had the habit of embarrassing me out in public...here is a story of one such incident...told in my own words just after it happened lol. I was going through my inbox the other day and saw an email to my dad's girlfriend...so here it is...

Originally written February, 2005 - the boy was approximately 3.5 years of age.

Here's one that'll get you laughing......the other day we were at Blockbuster renting movies, and what does my kid decide to do??? He had been driving me crazy all day and he topped off the day by opening the emergency exit door and setting the alarm off and it didn't even shut off when we closed the door so we had to wait till the staff could come and get it shut off....talk about making me want to crawl under a rock.....I can laugh about it now, but at the time I was mortified.

The funniest part...apparently I was so mortified by this event that I blocked it out...I had no recollection of it until I read it just last week. lol.

So how about it...what's your most embarrassing moment? Does your child/pet/spouse/BFF have the tendancy to embarrass you??? Spill it...

It sure is a busy season...

2009-12-05T16:55:00.002-06:00

The boy has been busy torturing...erm...I mean...playing with the cats...they really do enjoy having to sport these santa suits I picked up at the dollar store...lol.

Our tree is up...This is a horrible picture of it but I had to show off the boy's favourite new hat...he just had to have it and wants to wear it everywhere...sure is cute!

The boyfriend and I all 'cleaned up' for my holiday party last night...I'm a bit of a hurtin' unit today...but we still managed to get the boy off to a birthday party this afternoon and my house is semi clean!!!!

Friend Makin' Monday - Survey Says!

2009-11-30T10:57:00.003-06:00

Amber over at aefilkins is hosting Friend Makin' Mondays and I love that this week she has a survey for us to do...apparently she did last week too but I never even got around to reading much last week nevermind posting! So here goes...

1. Favorite website
- Facebook and Blogger top my list of favourites!

2. Favorite color
- Blue

3. Facebook? {Post a link or share your name if you want some new Facebook friends!}
- Yeppers - http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=542510235

4. Favorite Christmas song?
- Walking in a Winter Wonderland

5. Christmas tree: Real or fake?
- Fake

6. Hottest celebrity?
- Matthew McCaughne-hey hey lol

7. Favorite restaurant?
- Olive Garden...YUM

8. Favorite magazine?
- People...though I do love me some Cosmo too!

9. Favorite thing to drink around the holidays?
- Rum and egg nog is definitely a favourite...or coconut rum and hot chocolate! YUM.

10. Favorite Christmas movie.
- Hmmm, not sure I have one...I love them all! But especially the Christmas kiddie shows they air on tv right around Christmas...they remind me of my childhood.

That was fun! Hope you all enjoyed reading my answers!

Always a Whirlwind

2009-11-28T12:58:00.002-06:00

My mom has been down to visit and stay with us 3 times in the past three months and i couldn't love it more...the only thing is it's always such a quick visit with so much packed into each and everyday that sometimes i feel like i can't even breath we move so fast lol. This time she was in from a Wednesday night to a Saturday morning...and yes I still worked this week...so crazy busy!

She's a shopaholic so most of our time is spent in malls and of course Walmart...but i can't complain cause most every time she buys me something nice! She spoils the boy rotten...but we've managed to set boundaries...he still managed to get a $50 DS game out of her...not that i mind too much but she was looking to more spend about $20 on him...so $50 was a bit of a shock...but even i can't resist those puppy dog eyes he gives me some days...so i can't imagine how hard it is for her not to give in...which is why she does!

Wow is this post ever turning into a rambling mess...i haven't had much sleep the last few days...the boyfriend and i of course took advantage of free babysitting and went to the movies last night...so much fun!!!

This afternoon the boy and i have plans to rearrange the living room (the boyfriend is out with a friend) and put up our tree...then later this evening we'll decorate...rum and egg nog for the adults and just egg nog for the boy...perhaps we'll even light a fire in the fireplace....ah i love the holidays!

Hope everyone is having a great weekend!

I feel like...

2009-11-24T09:48:00.003-06:00

I feel like I haven't blogged in forever...

That could be because...well...I haven't! lol.

Not much on my mind...not much time to get out what's on my mind if I did have something on my mind. My mom is coming for her 3rd visit in 2 months tomorrow. She's having some health issues and because she lives up in the tiniest little town up north has to keep coming here for specialist appointments.

Other than that...not much to report. I am done shopping for the boy...but must start checking some others off my list very soon. I think I may even give in and let the boy set the tree up this weekend...he's only been asking the entire month of November!

It may not feel like the Christmas season here since we don't have snow yet...or I should say again...we did have some in early October...quite a bit actually...but that all melted a few days later and so far there has been no more to speak of. The boy is dying to get out on his sled...but I can wait a few more weeks before the white stuff comes!

Oh and last but not least, I have a question...for those of you that play along with Wordless Wednesday...I have a really cute shot I'd like to share with you tomorrow...but I don't know what the etiquette is...do I link up somewhere...give someone props in my post??? What's the deal???

Friend Makin' Mondays - Recipes

2009-11-16T18:23:00.003-06:00

Amber is hosting Friend Makin' Mondays today over on her blog...check her out!

This week we've been asked to share a favourite recipe...so here goes...this recipe isn't exactly a favourite since the boyfriend just made it for me for the first time about 2 weeks ago...but it will be my new favourite this winter season...the boy loved it too!

Cheeseburger Stew

1 lb ground beef
2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
½ cup chopped celery
¼ cup chopped onion
2 Tbsp chopped green pepper
1 Tbsp beef bouillon granules (or beef Oxo cube)
½ tsp salt
2½ cups milk
3 Tbsp flour
1 cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese

Brown the ground beef in a large saucepan or Dutch oven, then drain off the excess fat. Stir in the potatoes, celery, onion, beef bouillon granules, salt, and 1½ cups of water. Cover and cook until the veggies are tender, about 20 minutes.

Blend ½ cup of the milk with the flour and add this to the saucepan along with the rest of the milk. Cook, stirring often, until the stew is well thickened. Stir in the cheese until it melts.

Sprinkle a little more shredded cheese on top, if you like. We had ours with nice crusty bread rolls.

My New Favourite Pastime

2009-11-15T18:06:00.003-06:00

It all started last weekend when the boy was sick with a fever and we were trapped indoors for 4 full days! As you can imagine the 3 of us eventually started getting on one anothers nerves...

So I decided that each afternoon we'd all go our seperate ways and keep ourselves entertained ALONE (and hopefully quiet time) for 45 minutes to an hour...since I've been really wanting to get back into reading that's what I'd do with my time. The boy usually wanted to hang on the computer while the boyfriend played the Playstation.

But last Monday...when I was home from work with the boy and the boyfriend was at work...the boy came in and snuggled up to me...and we read...him with his "Captain Underpants" book and me with my current read "Good in Bed" by Jennifer Wiener (great book...not at all as the title suggests lol...I'm actually re-reading because I loved it so much the first time...many years ago...)...and we read for close to 2 hours!!!

Today we had a relaxing day at home (yesterday was very busy with the parade taking up most of the day...we went extra early to get good parking)...I decided to read a bit this afternoon and again the boy came to snuggle and read his book.

I love that he loves to read as much as I do!

He's Making his List and Checking it Twice

2009-11-12T18:53:00.003-06:00

Have your kids written their letter to Santa yet? Or have you written yours? The boy is soooooooooooo excited about Christmas this year...I mean he gets excited every year...but this is definitely the first year he's asked (okay begged) that we put the tree up...I believe his asking began the day after Halloween!

I haven't done it yet...and we'll likely end up waiting until the first weekend in December as per usual...strictly because I've rearranged my living room since last Christmas and am still trying to figure out where a tree would look best.

This weekend we'll head off to the Santa Claus Parade (the weather forecast looks marvelous!) and the boy will get to give his letter to the mail carriers...that's his most favourite part of the whole parade!

I really do love Christmas...but I hate that it's in the dead of Winter...thankfully our weather has been great the past week or so...

It seems I haven't had much time to blog lately...or maybe just not much to say...life is keeping me busy. I hope you all are doing well and getting into the holiday spirit!

Not the Swine Flu but a Cold

2009-11-09T10:45:00.003-06:00

So after all the paranoia of what in the world does my boy have (thanks to the dreaded swine flu)...he was seen by a doctor today and we were told he has a common cold. Here we sit home one more day because his cough sounds horrible...any other year when the kids get a cold and have a cough that comes and goes, off they go to school...because quite honestly if we all kept our kids home at the first sign of a cold they'd be out of school all winter!

But because he had a 3 day (though mostly low grade) fever and then developed a cough the school and daycare asked that I keep him out until I knew what it was for sure. Not to mention my paranoid mother who had me convinced he was on his death bed (insert eye roll here)...gotta love her but she always thinks the worst!

So, I'm thankful for the day off from work and the chance to spend some mommy and me time with my boy. This week is also a short week because us Canadians have Wednesday off for Remembrance Day. So we'll go back to school and work tomorrow and then have a holiday...what more could I ask for?!

Oh and thanks to all you wonderful bloggy friends...I realized that internet explorer was what was preventing me from visiting a good majority of your blogs...so this morning I downloaded Firefox and all is back to normal...and I am very happy about that!!!!

Hope you all had great weekends.

You know the boy is sick when...

2009-11-05T18:46:00.002-06:00

He has no appetite...my child eats every minute of every day! He opened a bag of chips from his Halloween stash and took one...bit into it and said he wasn't hungry...what the???

He had a bit of a cough last night and this morning...but nothing that really concerned me...but when the boyfriend picked him up at daycare this afternoon he immediately started feeling sick and now the fever is here...ugh.

The boy hardly ever gets sick...so being the worrywart I am I foresee a pretty sleepless night ahead of us! I sure hope he gets better soon!

So Frustrated!

2009-11-04T11:36:00.002-06:00

Blogger started acting up for me about a week ago now...at first I thought maybe it was my computer at work...then when it didn't work at home I nearly lost it...

I can get on to most of your blogs...but some of my very favourites...well I can't. It appears that your blogs will load but then immediately they freeze and I get a "this website is not responding error". It's making me so frustrated because I love to keep up with all of you.

So please don't think I'm ignoring you...the 4 that I can think of off the top of my head are:

Yaya (yaya stuff)
Ter (with an angel on my shoulder)
Melissa (outnumbered 3 to 1)
Jenn (another online mom)

If you're reading this update me!!!! Or become my friend on FB and update me there lol.

Friend Makin' Mondays - Halloween Candy

2009-11-02T10:06:00.004-06:00

This week Amber is asking the question - What's your favourite Halloween candy?

The candy for me that takes the No. 1 spot is most definitely Reeses Peanut Butter cups...but sadly my boy didn't get a single one this year....boooooooooo!!! He did get some Reeses Pieces and I managed to sneak a bag or 2 of those out of his stash last night...lol.

Next up...I love me some Mars bars...thankfully there were a few of those given out this year...and my boy doesn't really like them so they are all MINE!

This year...I've developed a bit of a love for Sour Patch kids...I loved the Fuzzy Peaches as a teen but had kind of gotten away from the chewy candy in recent years...but sour = yummy this year.

And last but not least...we most certainly got more chips this year than in past years...and I'm lovin' it. I'm more of a salt lover than a sweet lover most days anyway lol. My favourite chips are all dressed...and the boy got lots and lots of those...

So yes...when all is said and done...I will be the size of a house...but I won't be the only one since the boyfriend has eaten his fair share of candy in the past 2 days...

Happy Halloween

2009-10-30T16:07:00.004-05:00

Meet Anakin Skywalker from Star Wars the Clone Wars:

He's come to visit our house until after Halloween.

I hope everyone enjoys their time Trick or Treating...or whatever it is you are doing this weekend...I know we'll freeze our butts off here...snow is in the forecast today and tomorrow...

Oh and don't forget you get an extra hour of sleep on Sunday morning (thank you daylight savings).

In other news...blogger has been acting up for me...it won't load most of your pages...very irritating. I hope to be back reading very soon.

Oh no he didn't...

2009-10-27T08:39:00.002-05:00

But sadly...yes he did.

Those of you that are friends with me on FB know just what my little bugger of a child did to me last night.

Let me back up just slightly...the boy has been asking and asking me to have friends over from school. Sure, why not...sounds awesome! My only concern was that during the week there isn't alot of time...by the time we get dinner done with it's nearing 7:00 and the boy starts to get himself into the shower and doing his home reading by 8:00. So I had implemented the rule that if a kid from a few blocks away (ie. had to be walked or driven to our house as opposed to the neighbour kids down the street) that we'd plan those sort of playdates for on the weekend. WELL, my boy decided that regardless of this rule he was going to make plans for a Monday night play date...and not tell me his plans...Because (in his words) "he knew I'd say no".

So yesterday, I was having a really crummy day...no one thing happened that put me in a grumpy mood...but I was most definitely on edge and even told a senior partner here at work to "shut the hell up"...lol...whole other post which I promise to share with you later this week.

Clearly my child didn't realize that he was going to feel my wrath when he chose this particular day to decide that the consequences were worth his defiant behaviour. A trait I figured I'd have at least a few more years of living without...

In the end I let the kid stay and play...but the boy has earned himself early bed time for at least a week...possibly two...and if this behaviour keeps up...let me tell ya...Halloween will be cancelled this year...try me kid...just try me.

Oh the stress!

2009-10-22T20:16:00.003-05:00

So where have I been this week??? Because I know you all were wondering! lol.

Well I was at the shopping mall every lunch hour this week (the time I usually spend reading blogs and posting on mine)....urgh. But I must say I finally found success today...

K, let me back up a bit...we are going to a "celebration of marriage" on Saturday (the boyfriend's bestie from way back got married a month ago and it was very small so they are having a reception of sorts for friends)...anyway...there will be few people there that I know...something that stresses me out beyond belief, first impressions mean alot and these ppl were all very close to the boyfriend at one time or another...he hopes to actually use this opportunity to rekindle some friendships that he lost during a few dramatic years (pre-me of course lol)...and really I'm a fashion girl at heart...and I want that to show...stupid I know!

Anyway, I got into my head that I'd love a 'sweater dress' (they are all the rage right now) to wear with tights...but those things do not suit every body type...this I learnt very quickly. So the hour and 15 minutes I get daily for lunch I spent trying on dress after dress after dress...and then I decided maybe I'd just go with black pants and a shirt...so then I started trying on different shirts...and then eventually skirts...let me tell you I did not have much success...in fact I've bought a total of 3 different shirts...2 of which I will return (one was final sale)...but finally today...I found a flattering sweater dress and I love the look I put together...

You see this event is casual but denim is not allowed as the first part of the festivities include drinks and dainties at a country club...but after that the real 'party' begins and we are heading back to the bride and grooms for some rock band and beer! So I wanted to be comfy and yet look cute...so I think I've finally got it. Yay me!

The boyfriend might hate it since it doesn't show off my curves and 'sweet ass' lmao...but it's what I like that counts.

I so hate shopping for clothes to fit a body I feel like I don't even know anymore...must get back into a regular exercise routine...must must must!

School Days

2009-10-20T10:58:00.007-05:00

Oh how my boy has changed in the FOUR years he's been in school...time sure flies, doesn't it?

I thought it might be fun to share with you the pictures he's produced on picture day through the years...seeing as we just got back his 3rd grade pictures...which I agonized for about 2 days over whether we'd keep them or not...my boy just isn't a smiley kid when it comes to these professional portraits...drives me batty. He says he was nervous and I can tell he's getting shy as the years progress (well with strangers anyway).

Kindergarten - 2006

This is where I should have a 1st grade picture...but sadly they sit in a box in my basement...the boy wouldn't let me hand them out because he didn't like them. I think they looked good but agreed to allow him to get retakes since he hated them so much...in the end he was sick on retake day and so I kept them...they will surface someday and I promise to share it here when that happens.

So on to 2nd grade - 2008

And lastly - 3rd grade - taken just over a week ago.

Writers Workshop - What's in a name?

2009-10-15T19:42:00.004-05:00

It's Thursday and I'm linking up with Mama kat's Writer's Workshop.

This week's prompts:

1.) Interview you mom...questions might include, How has motherhood changed you? What ages were your favorites? Do you miss having having kids in the house? What was the most difficult part of being a mom for you? What was the most rewarding part? etc... I think I'll ask my Mom if I'm her favorite child and when she dodges the question (again) I'll scream, "DAMMIT WOMAN! Answer the QUESTION!!" Feel free to steal my idea.

2.) Tell us the story of your birth.

3.) How did you parents choose your name? What does it mean? What would you change your name to if you could?

4.) Describe a moment when you realized your mom was more than just a mom.

5.) Write a poem for your Mama.

This week I've decided to go with #3. I've always thought my name was just 'okay'...until I hit middle school and it was like the most popular name...I swear there were 5 of us in my grade 6 class (at that point I hated it). Ridiculous! If you talk to my mom she'll tell you she chose my name because it was original...well I guess 1980 was the year that name made it big cause it sure ain't original...

Today it's a name I can live with...at least I don't work with 5 other Melissas...now Karens and Audreys we've got quite a few of those in my profession lol.

Anyhoo...my parents decided that my mother would have the final say on any girl names and my father on any boy names...and when my mom was pregnant she was certain I was a girl (how she knew she still can't really describe) and so they never even considered any boys names.

She says she loved the song "Don't Cry Out Loud" by Melissa Manchester while she was pregnant with me....and so one day singing along to it in her car she said out loud "Melissa Mae"...and so it was. Mae is a family tradition on my dad's side and one I hope to have a hand in carrying on someday...all first born girls dating back at least 3 generations prior to me have the middle name Mae.

And now for the meaning (thank you Wikipedia):

Melissa is a given name for a female child. The origin of Melissa comes from the ancient Hittite word Melita which means honey. The meaning of the word has shifted into honey bee in Greek. Moreover, the pronunciation has changed to Melissa (Ionic Greek: Mέλισσα).

So uh...yeah...Honey bee...not anything cool like brave or beautiful one...but again I guess I can live with it.

Growing up I was dying to be a Samantha...I loved Sami's character on Days of our Lives. Actually a friend from elementary school found me on Facebook a little while back and asked if I remembered her changing her name to "Sarah" briefly while I changed mine to "Samantha"....oh yeah I remember! lol.

So there you have it...what about you? Do you love your name or hate it?

A little of this and a little of that...

2009-10-13T09:44:00.002-05:00

Yay life is finally getting back to normal and I don't feel like we are constantly on the go...and the best part...things have slowed down at work so now I can catch up with all of YOU.

First off, this past weekend was Canadian Thanksgiving...so to all my fellow Canadians:

H*A*P*P*Y T*H*A*N*K*S*G*I*V*I*N*G!!!!

We spent ours having a relatively quiet long weekend. Friday it was like a blizzard outside and we ended up with quite a bit of snow...thankfully since then it's mostly melted...the boy isn't all that impressed about that...he pretends he hates winter but this morning he was a little miffed that even more of the snow had melted.

So Saturday morning I forced the boyfriend out into the cold and we dug out our patio furniture and fire pit to put into the shed until Spring. It was my goal to get it all put away before the snow came...I guess next year I'll have to remember to get it away by the end of September lol.

Sunday we did some shopping...I was on the hunt for winter boots for the boy that he now won't need for likely a few more weeks...but I'm still glad we got them so that the next time he wants to play out in the snow he won't come home with frozen toesies!!!

Yesterday we celebrated thanksgiving with the boyfriend's side of the family (my family will celebrate next weekend). It was okay...but I gotta say coming from a family full of chefs (my side) it's hard to eat really bland food lol. Even the boyfriend was like...man she didn't season a single thing!!! Thankfully the boy was on his best behaviour and ate every last bite of his dinner. And I'm also thankful that the boyfriend doesn't take after his mother when it comes to cooking...he made one of the best pot roasts I've ever had Saturday night.

So that was our holiday weekend in a nutshell...

And now I leave you with something I've been meaning to blog about for ages and just haven't had the time...but I don't want to forget it so I must document it somewhere (and quick before I forget).

About 2 weeks ago I woke the boy up in the morning and we had the following exchange:

Me: Hey buddy time to get up and get dressed.
Boy: Is he still there?
Me: Is who still there?
Boy: Chewy.
Me: Chewy, who is Chewy?
Boy: *wipes his eyes and looks at me very confused* Oh...I must have been dreaming.
Me: So what was the dream about?
Boy: It was so awesome! There was this giant cheeseburger and his name was Chewy and you couldn't eat him or anything but he was like a real person that I was playing with and he lived at McDonalds.
Me: Wow that's quite the interesting dream...*giggling like crazy*
Boy: Yeah I wonder if I'll ever have that dream again cause it was awesome!

I laughed about it all that day...and even still recounting it for you makes me giggle a little. My boy sure does have an active imagination. I'm quite certain this dream had a little something to do with the fact that my mom (who was in town visiting at the time) took the boy and I to Burger King at about 8:00 the night before so he went to bed just after eating a double cheeseburger lol.

Awards

2009-10-08T12:01:00.005-05:00

First, Anne @ Mommy has to work sent me these lovely awards!
Thanks so much Anne.

Then second Melissa @ Outnumbered 3 to 1 gave me this awesome award!!! Thanks Melissa!

And last but most definitely not least - Staci at Playing House gave me the Over the Top Award! Thanks Staci.

Here are the rules for the Over the Top Award:

USE ONLY ONE WORD! It’s not as easy as you might think. Copy and change the answers to suit you and pass it on. It’s quite tricky to use only one-word answers! Once you have filled it out, be sure to pass it on to 6 of your favorite bloggers and alert them that they have been awarded!

*****
1. Where is your cell phone? Purse
2. Your hair? Blah
3. Your mother? Far
4. Your father? Farther
5. Your favorite food? Pasta
6. Your dream last night? Nadda
7. Your favorite drink? Coke
8. Your dream/goal? live life to the fullest (yeah I cheated)

9. What room are you in? work
10. Your hobby? reading
11. Your fear? heights
12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? Married
13. Where were you last night? home
14. Something that you aren’t? catty
15. Muffins? YUM
16. Wish list item? blender :)
17. Where did you grow up? Ontario
18. Last thing you did? eat
19. What are you wearing? black
20. Your TV? off
21. Your pets? cats
22. Friends? laughter
23. Your life? CRAZY
24. Your mood? good

25. Missing someone? always
26. Vehicle? pontiac
27. Something you’re not wearing? socks
28. Your favorite store? Walmart
29. Your favorite color? Purple
30. When was the last time you laughed? earlier
31. Last time you cried? forget...
32. Your best friend? FUN
33. One place that I go to over and over? work
34. One person who emails me regularly? E
35. Favorite place to eat? Olive Garden (not fair their name is 2 words).

I pass these awards on to (well, if you haven't received it/them already):

Melissa @ Outnumbered 3 to 1

Anne @ Mommy Has to Work

Jenn @ Another Online Mom

Supah @ Adventures of a Wanna be Supahmommy

Yaya @ Yaya Stuff

Liz @ Sugarplum Creations

Post it Note Tuesdays - kthankssomuch edition

2009-10-06T11:34:00.003-05:00

This weekly meme is hosted by the lovely Supah Mommy and this week I finally have a minute to participate! YAY! No more guilt trips...bwahahaha.

So here goes (oh and if you want to know how to play along head over to her blog):

Writers Workshop (a day late)

2009-10-02T10:42:00.004-05:00

I was going to skip Mama Kat's writers workshop this week because I was too busy to blog all week long...but then I saw the prompts and in particular this photo:

And I laughed and laughed and laughed...

Because well...this is me and the boyfriend...absolutely...no doubt about it. In fact you may remember this post where I fell and hurt my behind last winter...it was then that the boyfriend realized just how obsessed he was with my @ss...I knew it all along but it was made even more apparent to me when everytime he touched it I winced in pain.

He's a very touchy feely kind of guy and even in Safeway will take a quick look around and if no one is watching will cop a feel of my behind.

I hear it's a guy thing...and that most men like @sses...but I can honestly say that no other guy I've been with has felt the constant need to touch it in every moment he can get away with it. I'm sooooooo NOT touchy feely...so I'm usually swatting him away...especially in public! How embarrassing if we were caught by another customer or employee of said Safeway...

I know I was supposed to make up a conversation with the parties in the picture...and it would really just go something like this:

The boyfriend copping a feel...

Me: What are you doing pervert...people can totally see us...stop it.

Him: Oh come on, I love you...and besides no one is really paying attention.

Me: I don't care, stop it now...*swatting his hands away and then running to the next aisle*.

He of course chases me and once again tries to cop a feel...I can say that he's gotten a little better in public places because he can't stand the dirty looks I give him...and then I may or may not refuse to speak to him until he apologizes and promises to never do it again (though I know in his head 'never' really means 'until next time we go for groceries'.

So Busy...

2009-09-29T12:04:00.000-05:00

I'm drowning here at work...talk about going from one extreme to the other...

So I'm sorry I haven't had time to comment on alot of your blogs....or even to blog myself...

I hope by the end of the week things have slowed down both at work and at home.

I miss you all!

Writers Workshop - Travel: My List

2009-09-24T10:44:00.006-05:00

It's Thursday and that means that Mamakat is hosting her weekly Writers Workshop.

The Prompts:

1) If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?

2) Moxie is defined as the ability to face difficulty with spirit and courage; bold energy. Describe a time when you showed moxie.

3) Write a poem about a loved one who has shown you moxie. What have you learned from them?

4) If you were a super hero, what would your super power be and why?

5) A superhero can save you from what ails you....what is your request.

This week I'm going with Number 1. I always talk about 'my list' of places I want to travel. But really it's just a running list in my head...places get added to it and ocassionally removed from it depending on others experiences. Do you have a list?

The place that has always topped my list is Australia. My mom had a friend when I was growing up that was from Australia and her accent always fascinated me! Not to mention I have a friend there that I one day hope to meet in person (gotta love the internet for giving you friends all around the world).

The second place on my list is Italy. I've been told quite a few stories from the boyfriend and his dad since they are part Italian...and it seems it would be a really nice place to visit...there is alot of history there and the scenery is delightful.

Mexico - many of the girls that I work with go on annual vacations to various places in Mexico...and I always hear about the wedding ceremonies on the beaches...deep down I kind of want to get married there someday...but we'll see.

Portugal - I grew up in a small town that had alot of Portuguese people in it...so I grew to know and love the culture...again I hear the scenery is fabulous.

Trinidad - my mom has visited there and loved it. Really I'd be happy seeing any of the carribean islands.

Also on my list is New York - not only because I'd like to see 'ground zero' it was on my list even before that because they have some great tourist attractions, such as the Statue of Liberty.

And lastly pretty much anywhere south of me would be delightful...California, Florida - we'd love to see either Disneyland or Disney world...my parents took me to Disney World in Florida when I was 9 years old and it was the most fabulous vacation!

Random Ramblings

2009-09-23T14:40:00.003-05:00

I finally gave in and joined Farmville on Facebook...and it is sucking up alot of my time...but I love every second of it.

We get free lunch tomorrow at work to celebrate the end of Summer and (really) the end of us being short staffed due to covering off others holidays...YAY!!!

The boy is really enjoying 3rd grade...and I'm so happy about that! On the down side, somehow his teacher managed to misplace all of his school supplies...we dropped them off 2 days before school started at the parent/teacher meeting and somehow in the first week of school they vanished. Here's to hoping she finds them...I spent hours labelling everything so it's not like they don't have his name on it.

The boy decided sometime last week that he wants to be a scientist when he grows up. Though he's not sure what kind of scientist and is on a mission to figure out what interests him most. It's pretty ironic since when the boyfriend and I first got together (2.5 years ago) the boy thought a scientist was an insult because they are nerdy and they used to make fun of each other by calling each other scientists...now he wants to be one when he grows up...oh how things change lol.

My mom is visiting and arrives tomorrow...it'll be a quick visit since she's only staying with me Thursday and Friday night.

I am addicted to America's Next Top Model and am sooooooooo excited it's on again tonight.

So that's what's going on in my world...what's new with you?

Boys and Their Toys

2009-09-22T08:31:00.002-05:00

So after much convincing on his part...the boyfriend finally managed to talk me into letting him have his very own cell phone...okay I sound like the biggest control freak if you just read that sentence lol...

BUT there is a reason he was not allowed a phone...you see, when we first met he had a cell phone of his very own...he proceeded to rack up his bill by doing things outside of his plan...to the point that it became impossible to keep up with...he had issues with customer service and it was just a total nightmare...his phone broke and he sent it away to have it fixed...4 months later they sent it back (all while being charged for the service in the mean time) and they hadn't fixed the problem at all...so needless to say he cancelled service with them...so none of that his fault...and then...

We decided after we moved in together that we really only needed one phone between the two of us anyway...so he would carry mine during the day since I have a phone conveniently located on my desk at work...so in case of emergency I can be reached...he on the other hand is impossible to reach...so thus he got the privilige of carrying around my cell phone...UNTIL...

He lost it...actually he lost it several times...but always redeemed himself by finding it again...left at work, in his car...in a friend's car...but one day he really lost it...FOREVER...

And because of that he was not allowed to even get close to my Blackberry when I got it...and I think that made him a teensy bit jealous...

The past couple months he's been 'checking out' phones and plans...and working on me...

"I'll take good care of it...I promise"

"This way when you need to reach me you'll be able to"

"I promise to love it and feed it and take it on walks too"

So he got his beloved phone yesterday...nothing fancy because his budget doesn't really allow for anything fancy...and besides he's not nearly as technologically savvy as I am ;)

But let me tell you...he's had his phone for all of 16 hours and he is a texting maniac...

I am not a texter...so this is very new to me...he even texted me from the other room last night...which is the finest example of men and laziness!!!

What about you...do you text?

Why don't I text...am I *gasp* getting old??? No way...Can't be!!!

I'm so excited...and I just can't hide it!

2009-09-18T15:36:00.002-05:00

Something tells me I've used that post title before...lol.

Anyway, now that I've got you all singing that annoying song...I'll tell you why I'm excited...

You see this mama over here NEVER and I mean NEVER gets alone time...I mean yes, I do go out with friends on occasion...but lately it's been just over to my bestie's new house to help her paint or install flooring...fun...but not exactly the fun *I* crave!

So when the boyfriend told me he was going to go fishing with his dad and take the boy with him...I was soooooooooo flippin' excited. This marvelous event will take place tomorrow afternoon...and although I've known about it for weeks I could not for the life of me decide what I wanted to do with my alone time.

A million thoughts ran through my head...but most of them involved physical labour...for example I could call up my bestie who is still in renovation hell and offer some assistance...but...I decided that wouldn't be enough fun for me...and I could do that any old time while the boyfriend was home to watch the boy...

So then, I started thinking about my 'to do list'...and realized that I needed to add "clean the fridge out" to it...and thought a Saturday afternoon home alone might be the perfect time to do it....crank the tunes, get all my cleaning done without having to clean around a child and a man...but where's the fun in that???

So today...this morning actually...I ran into another friend of mine and asked her what she was up to tomorrow afternoon...her resposne 'nothing exciting'...so I'm going for a visit at her house and we're having some blender drinks! YUM YUM YUM! I can't tell you how excited I am. I actually haven't had a chance to really chat with this particular friend since before she went away on vacation almost a month ago.

I guess I'll have to behave myself since the boyfriend plans to bring his dad back to our place for a BBQ after fishing...he's seen me after a drink or two...but never after say four or five...hey it's supposed to be hot hot hot...it's not my intention to get drunk...but stranger things have happened :)

Exteme Makeover - Me Edition

2009-09-16T14:09:00.003-05:00

It's Wednesday...and that means Amber is hosting Extreme Makeover - Me Edition...BUT she just found out she's pregnant and won't be participating full force. Congrats again Amber!

In the meantime she's asked that we share with her the ways we stayed healthy and 'fit' during our pregnancy(ies)...I had to laugh (literally) out loud when I read this...because those that know me IRL know that I gained about 65 pounds during my pregnancy with the boy. Granted, I started out underweight...at about 103 pounds (when I went to the doctor to confirm the pregnancy with a blood test and he called me with my results he immediately ordered me to start drinking Ensure or Boost...yuck!)...but yep by the end of it all I was nearing 170.

Imagine how frightening it is to realize that after gaining that much weight you only have about 7.5 pounds that is the actual baby!!! I battled eating disorders as a teenager but thankfully after having the boy I lost the weight in a healthy manner and it slowly but surely came off...well most of it...I still blame him for the extra 15 pounds I carry around to this day...8 years later.

Funnily enough (and yes I do believe funnily is a word...in my world anyway) I didn't gain all over and really only carried out front...like a HUGE basketball was under my shirt. I so wish I had pictures of me pregnant...but it was a tough time in my life (that's for an entirely different post) and I was uprooted and moved around at least 4 different times while I carried the boy. In the end my mom lost her camera that had all my pregnancy shots on it...and we never found it...so sad!

So I'm sorry Amber I have no advice...but hopefully some of the other women do. I imagine keeping active (walking, stretching, etc.) is still a good idea...and obviously not letting yourself fall into the mentality that you are in fact eating for two and therefore can eat what you want when you want and all in double sized portions...might not work out to be the best plan...though I have to admit it was one I adopted lol.

I don't have much to report in the way of what I've been doing this past week. We are still working on getting into a routine for school....and there's been good tv on...I know I know...excuses excuses...

Friend Makin' Monday - Fall TV Shows

2009-09-14T09:05:00.004-05:00

I love TV...so I'm excited that this week Amber who is hosting Friend Makin' Mondays asked us to share with you what shows we are excited about!

I realized something in compiling my list of shows for this post...most of my favourites are no longer on...and I've just been watching a whole lot of reality TV lately lol.

One show I love love love is Desperate Housewives...I missed the finale in May because I was on a road trip with my besties...and I totally forgot I hadn't seen it until they started airing previews for this season...must find last season's finale online...pronto!

Next...I hear Survivor starts next week...it was the very first reality TV show I was hooked on...and I still tune in here and there...it helps that we have a survivor pool at work...I won the first year I entered I might add...$100 is nothing to scoff at!!!

The next couple are some shows I'm excited to check out...they are brand new this year and I hope they will fill the void of some of the shows they've cancelled in the past couple of years...

Hehe...the boyfriend and I looooooooooooooooove Family Guy...so I'm totally stoked t0 check out the Cleveland show...it looks soooooo funny!

That's it for now...I'm sure there are a few more new ones that I wouldn't mind checking out...but those three are the only ones that the previews really stuck with me.

Happy Monday!

Writers Workshop - The first day of 3rd grade

2009-09-10T09:07:00.002-05:00

It's Thursday...and that means Mama Kat hosts her weekly writers workshop. You can join in the fun by heading over to her blog and choosing your prompt.

The Prompts:

1.) What does marriage mean to you?(inspired by Jon Gosselin) :)

2.) Scaredy Cat!!!(inspired by Brandi from Not Your Average Soccer Mom)

3.) List the pieces of you that have come from those around you?(inspired via Tweet by Angela from My So-Called Chaos)

4.) The first day of...(inspired by me. again.)

5.) Transcribe a recent entertaining conversation you recently had with someone.(inspired by me...I'm so inspirational for myself.)

Tomorrow my 'baby' boy will start 3rd grade...and I have very mixed emotions...I guess that comes with the territory of being a mother...on one hand, you want your kids to stay little and dependent on you forever...but on the other it's exciting to see them grow and learn and achieve their goals in life.

Last night was meet the teacher...our division is the only one in the City that has these meetings before school starts and I think it's a fantastic idea. The kids know who their teacher is and know exactly where the classroom is...and best of all there is no lugging a bajillion school supplies to school on the first day...because we dropped them all off last night.

Back to the teacher...she seems great! Yes she's young and is about a year out of university...something that had me a little disappointed, at first...the boy had a 'newer' teacher for 1st grade and she really had no idea how to handle rambunctious 6 year olds. But this one seems like she knows what she's up against...bonus!

The boyfriend was teasing the boy before our meeting...saying his teacher was going to give him homework...the boy responded with "impossible we haven't even had our first day yet"...but guess what? The boyfriend was totally right! The teacher handed the boy a paper bag just before we left and told him it was an "all about me" bag that they would share on the first day of school with the rest of the class...he was to put 2 or 3 items in the bag that he could show to his class. So the boy chose 2 baby pictures and a baseball card...since baseball is his favourite sport! He was going to put in one of his pokemon cards because he is obsessed with all things pokemon...but then thought he'd just go with a second baby picture because he didn't want to lose one of his most prized possessions...lol.

So there you have it...there is no denying it...my baby is a big boy...a big 3rd grader...where does the time go???

Awards~I feel so loved!

2009-09-08T14:11:00.006-05:00

So I'm sitting here at work twiddling my thumbs...when I remembered I had about 3 awards I need to get to posting...I believe one or two of them may be more than a week...maybe even close to a month old...oops.

I received the one lovely blog award from Natalee at Raising Normal Kids...love her blog...it's so fun to read about what her and her three boys are up to on a daily basis.

Second I recieved this award from Melissa at Outnumbered 3 to 1. Great blog there too...Melissa hosts a ton of awesome giveaways but I personally love to read about her and her family...we are very similar in alot of ways!

And last but not least...Jennifer over at The Causey Clan gave me this splash award! Jennifer has a quirky sense of humour and usually has me giggling....and she's got some super cute kiddos too!

Now I know you are supposed to pass the awards on and link up to who I pass them on to...blah blah blah...but quite frankly who has time for that??? Besides I absolutely hate playing favourites...I love all of you that come here to read...and I love reading all of your blogs. So if you haven't received these awards consider yourself awarded!

Why I Can't Blog

2009-09-07T12:31:00.001-05:00

So we've known for quite some time now that there is something wrong with our computer mouse...it most likely as something to do with sticky little fingers touching it...and now there's been something spilt on the keyboard...the keys are sticking and some don't work unless you hit them hard about two or three times...urgh.

So we'll be on the hunt for a new keyboard and mouse in the next few days because this is extremely irritating...note to self...enforce rule of no food or drink in the computer room...it seems I've let that slide a bit over the Summer months...and boy do I regret that!!!!

I'm still reading and trying to comment on all your blogs...bear with me...I fear that I may get frustrated and give up...it might save my sanity to wait till tomorrow at work when it will be so much easier...lol.

I have awards to post...and I wanted to do that today..man oh man!!!

Hope you are all having a great long weekend! Ours has been nice and relaxing...we spent the day at the beach yesterday...my absolute favourite thing to do!!!

Extreme Makeover - Me Edition - Successes

2009-09-02T09:07:00.002-05:00

Amber over at aefilkins hosts this weekly meme...I haven't participated all summer...that could explain the massive tire I have forming around my midsection...why is it that I have no problem working towards the body I want all year long and then when summer comes I sabotage it all by eating bad and not exercising near enough???

I haven't stepped on a scale in a very long time but I bet if I had weighed myself before summer and then again now...it would tell me I had gained at least 10 pounds...all my clothes are too tight and I just feel down right disgusting.

Hence the reason I'm baaaaaaaaaaaack. If you'd like to join this group of gals who are working hard at trying to live a healthier lifestyle than be sure to head over to Amber's blog and check it out.

This week Amber has asked us to focus on our successes. Seeing as I am just now getting back into a routine and haven't yet had the opportunity to add in exercise...my only success (albeit a big one) is my thought process...instead of feeling like I just can't do it...I *know* that I can because I've done it before. It doesn't take much to plan meals a little better so that I'm eating healthier...and it also doesn't take much effort to get myself back into exercising....I just have to do it! And do it I will...starting now.

My intent is to ease back into it slowly...knowing myself the way I do...if I try to change things too much I decide it's too hard and just give up yet again...so this week I'm really going to focus on eating better and uping my water intake...after school starts next week and our family is more into a homework/evening routine after dinner I will decide when it's best for me to exercise.

Two Years Ago - The Post Where I Get Kind of Deep

2009-09-01T10:59:00.004-05:00

I interrupt my regular blogging randomness...to tell you a little story...something that still makes me very sad from time to time...

You see two years ago today (well okay Saturday but I didn't have time to write this post then)...I lost someone very special to me...not through death...though sometimes I think this way may be worse because there is just no closure.

Let me back up just a little...

When I moved to this city back in 2001 I knew very few people. My mom and extended family (that I didn't really know well) and that's it...that's all. So when I met this girl "D" about six months after the boy was born and we hit it off and were Besties right from the start...well I couldn't have been happier. We were joined at the hip...literally...wherever she went I went too...usually having the boy in tow...but she didn't seem to mind. In fact, she used to beg me to let her babysit while I worked...this was pre-kids for her.

Until September of 2002 when her and her (then) husband had their own bouncing baby boy. Sadly, her husband was laid off in early 2003 and they figured it wise to move out of province and go back to where "D" considered home so her parents could help them out financially until they were back on their feet again. We kept in touch via email, telephone and good old fashioned letter writing.

I was more than thrilled when she came back for a visit in the Summer of '04 and told me that she was coming back...with or without her husband...they were having marital problems and she was very unhappy living so close to her family who were the meddling type...but when she went back home after her visit she (unexpectedly) got pregnant and decided it was best to stay put, at least for the time being, as her husband had a decent job and now they had another little one on the way.

BUT in the summer of '05 after their second baby boy was born she knew she had to get out of the small town they were in and back here to the big city life which she enjoyed so much more. So they came back...and I was soooooooooo happy.

Little did I know that this was when all sorts of drama was going to come into my life. You see she was still unhappy with her husband...he refused to keep a job...played video games relentlessly...and just did not help with the boys. So I stepped in and would often spend the days with her...we'd take the 3 boys out to the park or to the mall or just let them run wild in McDonalds playland. I continuously told her that the constant fighting that went on in her household was not good for her children and that she really just needed to leave. But she was afraid of the unknown...having not worked in well over 3 to 4 years she was certain she could not get a decent paying job and would not be able to survive.

She started to become someone I didn't even know anymore...putting herself before her children...I remember her husband calling me on ocassion wondering if I knew where she was because she would up and leave for days on end. To this day I don't know where it was she was 'escaping' to...she always told me that she was out with some girls she had worked with years earlier...but who really knows.

In March of '07 (just a few months before I met the boyfriend)...I met a guy at the bar...he seemed like a nice enough guy...we 'saw each other' for just over a month when I realized he was not looking for anything serious...and in and around that time I had kind of decided I was ready to settle down...so we broke off ties.

Little did I know that "D" kept talking to him. In fact he started hanging out at her house and befriended her husband...I kind of started to get a bad feeling about him then...I mean you meet a girl...things don't really work out and what do you do? Go after her (married) friend...ummm ewwwww.

In July of '07...I was happily dating the boyfriend and "D" and I were growing apart...I just couldn't stand to see her flirting with this guy all while supposedly trying to make it work with her husband. So one day she calls me up and is crying hysterically...begs me to come down and spend the day with her because she really needs someone to talk to. I got there and her husband was gone...she said he had left her because she was pregnant with another man's baby...yep you guessed it...she had been fooling around with the guy I had met months earlier at the bar.

She decided she was going to keep the baby but cut off ties as much as she could with the 'affair guy'...she told me that he was abusive to her older two boys and that she didn't want him anywhere around them. I of course tried to explain to her that seeing that she was carrying his child it wasn't going to be easy to get rid of him. I urged her to come and stay with me where I could support her and help her stay strong.

But she refused and next thing I knew she was barely calling and when I called her she wouldn't answer the phone. Eventually her phone was disconnected and the only way I could contact her was to go down to her apartment...so I did...numerous times. Most times she wouldn't answer the door but I could hear the boys playing inside.

Finally one day she came to the door and told me that "affair guy" was in her room down the hall and that she really couldn't have me in...it just wasn't a good time. So I left it alone...I was pissed that she would put her own selfish needs over the wellbeing of her boys...but without knowing all the details didn't feel it was my place to step in.

Fast forward to August 29, 2007 - her 25th birthday...I receive a call at work from "D's" sister..."D" is in big trouble...and needs to leave the city. "Affair guy" has been keeping her and the boys locked up in their apartment and refusing to allow any of them to see the light of day...for almost 2 months now. She explained that he had been getting physical with "D" as well as the two boys.

So that day "D" came down to my work and we said our goodbyes...I told her to take care of her babies...her husband (now ex) drove them to the next province over where "D" has a sister that she was going to go and live with to get away from this crazy psycho.

We kept in touch through email and facebook and she even came to visit in November '07...she told me that "affair guy" knew where she was living and had even been out there begging her to marry him. She seemed to have cleared her head a bit out there and knew that being anywhere near him was a bad idea and even tried to convince him that the baby she was carrying was actually her (ex) husband's.

That was the last time I spoke to "D"...ever. I'm sure I could look her up and reconnect...but the thing is do I even want to at this point? I firmly believe that the reason she cut off contact is because she is back with the psycho...he had some kind of hold over her...one that I had never seen anyone have over her. Last I heard through the grapevine they were living as a family...she had a baby girl in Feb '08...I feel sad for all of her kids. I miss the boys terribly...I was "Auntie Mel"...and the boy misses her oldest ALOT....they were the best of pals.

So am I destined to remember this unfortunate series of events every single year on "D's" birthday...and will I get sad every year when I know the boys are celebrating another birthday without Auntie Mel???

Friend Makin' Monday - 20 Questions

2009-08-31T10:56:00.003-05:00

Amber over at AEFilkins is hosting Friend Makin' Mondays. Head on over to her blog to join in the fun.

This week she's being nosy (a girl after my own heart lol) and asking 20 questions...here they are:

1. Do you cook every night?
- I try to...I also try and make balanced meals (ie. meat, veggie, starch)...let me tell you, do I ever look forward to easy dinner night (at least once a week)...which usually involves nachos or pizza...or mac and cheese (the boy's all time favorite).

2. What kind of laundry detergent do you use & why?
- Whatever is on sale. My mom was always loyal to Tide because she has very sensitive skin...for me it doesn't matter as long as it passes my smell test.

3. Do you do laundry every day or loads at a time?
- I do a load almost every day after dinner. Towards the end of the week I tend to slack off and then I have a few loads waiting for me to do on Sunday morning.

4. How often do you eat out per week?
- not much at all. Usually once a week for lunch and once every 2 weeks as a family - of course there is the ocassional date night and that would make it twice in 2 weeks.

5. Where do you usually eat out?
- McDonalds...sometimes Burger King...my preference is Subway.

6. What is your favorite retail store?
- Walmart!!! Or Ricki's for clothes for me (their sizes run big and I can currently squeeze myself into a 4...no way am I shopping anywhere else!)

7. What's your favorite thing to drink?
- Coke

8. Do you take vitamins? What kind?
- I don't...but I'm told I should. Last time I was at the doctor's office my Vitamin B levels were down and they suggested I take some...but I haven't.

9. What percentage of the household chores to you do?
- Oh boy...about 80%. I'm trying to get the boy more involved in chores and would also like the boyfriend to help out a little more so I've been giving him more jobs...granted he does do some cooking and since I HATE doing dishes he'll do them 90% of the time.

10. Do your children do chores? {Or will they, did they, etc}
- Yes - he does chores...but only when asked. I really need to get on the ball and make him up a chore chart with regular chores for him to do on a daily and weekly basis...that way we can institute allowance, which he has been begging for since June.

11. Do you go to church?
- No.

12. Do you have a housework schedule?
- No...I work from room to room when I have the motivation...if I have zero motivation I tidy what visitors see lol.

13. Do you keep a working budget?
- Not really - another thing we need to work on because there are alot of things we should and could be saving for.

14. What do you do at night as a family?
- during the Summer it's pretty relaxed...we'll go for a walk after dinner or sit outside...if the weather is crummy (has been almost all summer) we'll snuggle watching some tv or a movie.

15. How do you prepare yourself for a new week?
- I try to get organized on Sundays...sometimes the best laid don't get followed through on though lol. I do make sure we all have clean clothes and if that's the best I can do that day...then so be it.

16. What do your mornings look like?
- I get up and get the boy up, hop into the shower, get the boy breakfast, make coffee, get the boyfriend out of bed, hop on the computer for a quick check of email and facebook, make lunches, do my hair and little bit of makeup, have a quick cup of coffee I made 1/2 hour earlier...and then head on out the door. All of this in precisely ONE hour lol.

17. What time do you get up in the mornings?
- I am supposed to get up around 6:30...but this morning it was more like 6:47...ahhhh lol.

18. What time do you go to bed at night?
- Usually around 11:00...sometimes a little earlier sometimes a little later.

19. How do you manage all of the paperwork that floods into your household? {bills, school work, magazines, ads, etc}
- Right now I have piles all over my house...I have a shoe box in the computer room that is full...a junk drawer in our bedroom again FULL...all important papers get stuck to our fridge as a reminder to me (school stuff etc)...and currently we are in the midst of adding a bulletin board to the computer room for the stuff that is important but maybe not as important as the fridge stuff (actually I really hope the bulletin board will be big enough so I can stop using my fridge as one lol).

20. How do you keep your household organized? {calendars, charts, etc}
- the simple answer...I don't lol. I have my own little way of organizing...but really like Amber I have a huge accumulation of stuff that needs to be donated or sold in my basement...and it is driving me CRAZY.

Our New Additions - Writers Workshop

2009-08-27T09:01:00.006-05:00

Mamakat's writers workshop includes the following prompts:

1.) My animals are making me nuts.(inspired by Jody from Take Me As I Am).

2.) List the 5 best things about the first day of school.(inspired by Lane from Sneaky Daddy).

3.) Tell us about your crush.(inspired by Lisa from Just Lisa, No Filler)

4.) How did you break it?(inspired by Brandy from Not Your Average Soccer Mom)

5.) Show us a favorite summer craft.(inspired by Kristin from The Way It Is)

Meet our kitties - Freddy and Homer

So, they aren't such new additions since we've had them since the day after the boy's birthday (so like May 12th)...apparently I forgot to mention them here...that's besides the point. Some of you may remember this post where we decided it would be in our dog Bailey's best interest to go live with my mom since we really didn't have time to give her the love and attention she needed.

Immediately the boy started working on me about cats (notice the plural there...I thought I could get away with one but the boy had other plans)...they are much more independent and don't require walking or picking up poop in the yard...the boyfriend decided it was a great idea too...so we were on the hunt for some cats. I was picky though in that I wanted full grown, fixed cats, preferably males (I find they are more affectionate).

So began our hunt for the perfect pets. We looked online in our area for giveaways...many of the ads turned us off right away...it's all in a name, right? I just couldn't handle having a cat named snookums or love muffin...lol. Eventually we stumbled across an ad for the two cats that we now call ours. Their owners had owned them since kittens but were now moving into an apartment that didn't allow pets so they needed to find Homer and Freddy a new place to live.

They brought them over and immediately Freddy hid in our basement and didn't come out for close to a week. Homer on the other hand was affectionate and friendly right from the get go. He also loved the boyfriend right away...he still follows the boyfriend around to every single room he goes into and tries to curl up in his lap or on his chest...which is driving both the boyfriend and I NUTS...You see my goal of having an affectionate cat was met...but maybe he's a little too affectionate. If we lock him out of our bedroom at night he claws at the door...eventually the boyfriend got smart and started spraying him with water when he did that...seems he's gotten the hint and has taken up residence with the boy at night.

Freddy is a take it or leave it cat...he of course loves to be patted but if you stop he won't claw at you to start again (like Homer does)...he'll just lay down and be content.

Lately they've both taken to bolting for the door as soon as it opens...Homer will then crawl into the tiny opening underneath our outside stairs and he is impossible to get out. So we leave him and he eventually comes out and wonders around and then comes home and meows on our doorstep to be let in. I wanted indoor cats...not outdoor!!! So we are trying and trying and trying to keep them inside...which is near impossible when you have an 8 year old that likes to stand at the door (with the door half open) talking to his friends...

Regardless...they are good cats...I choose to overlook that they won't stay off my tables (something I've never let any other cats i've owned do)...and the fact that they claw at some of our furniture...the boyfriend again tries to get on them with the spray bottle...because they love us and we love them.

Here's a couple of photos...Homer is all gray and Freddy is the striped one.

City Life v. Small Town Life

2009-08-25T12:13:00.002-05:00

So we currently live in a city...not a real large one...but a city nonetheless (Population: 648,000). My mom lives about 8 hours north in a tiny little town (Population: 7,500) and has been there now for two years. She of course would love nothing more than for the boyfriend and I to move up there. You see when I found out I was pregnant with the boy and that sperm donor was a cheating, lying, sack of...well anyway...I moved back in with my mom. Her and the boy had a very close relationship and I know they both miss it at times (she moved out when he was 5 years old). Not to mention my mom likes to have her family close. She actually convinced both my brothers to move up there to be with her. I'm the last one she's working on.

Lately she's working on the boyfriend...they chat over Facebook and he's convinced that we'd have a much better, more financially stable life up there. He is pretty much guaranteed a job up there because of his background in youth care and working with the disabled...there aren't very many experienced workers up there.

Soooooooo, when the boyfriend brought the subject up once again over the weekend I suggested that in a year or two...after his divorce is finalized, perhaps we'd be married by then and ready to have another wee one...that during my year off for maternity leave (which means we'd have guaranteed income on my part) we'd try it...that way if it didn't work out I would at least have a job to come back to...seems like a great suggestion, right? I thought so too!

Well apparently the boyfriend after further thought thinks we should try it sooner rather than later...ummmm, I'm still not really all gung ho on this...you see, I grew up in a small town and hated it...everyone knew everyone's business...it was boring with not many different places to hang out...and I can see the boy just hating it for all the same reasons I did.

My mom now knows that the boyfriend is game...he's lived in this same city all his life and thinks a change would be a great adventure...I told him this morning that he might be moving all on his own...because I'm still not sure it's what I want.

Decisions, decisions...

Curse Words

2009-08-24T13:57:00.002-05:00

So the boy has decided he'd try cursing on for size as of late...I guess it's the cool thing to do when you're 8 years old!

Though I'm not really sure the words he's using are even considered curse words these days. As a child I was never allowed to use the word "crap". To my parents it was just as bad as the eff word...but these days it seems common practice. The other one he really likes is "heck"...I know not a curse word at all...but not a nice word either. Lastly there's "crud"...again not even close to a curse word...but when he says "oh crud"...it makes my skin crawl.

Now don't get me wrong...I've got a potty mouth...a really bad one, except when children are present of course...when that's the case I can clean it up real quick...and I've never been one (even as an adult) to curse in front of my elders.

Does it bother me that my boy is growing up and therefore trying on a few more 'adult like' words??? Yeah I guess that's really the only explanation, isn't it?

I Am Never Drinking Again

2009-08-20T14:21:00.002-05:00

Have you said those words? Usually it's the result of a hangover from...yeah there. Did I ever have one heck of a hangover this morning...I don't usually drink during the week and when I do drink on the weekends...I don't usually drink enough to get drunk...You know, I'll have about 3 beers and get 'happy' and then have a very good night's sleep.

But last night...I have to say I was DRUNK.

You see, my bestie (I've decided I like this term better than BFF) bought a house a couple of months ago...they finally, after months and months of searching, found thier dream home. But it needed a heck of a lot of work. They took out all the flooring and plan to put in hardwoods this weekend, they are getting an entirely new kitchen, all the walls must be painted, alot of the electrical had to be moved, there was some drywalling repairs to do, and so on and so on...

They got the keys on July 23rd and don't have to be out of their house until August 27th...seems like plenty of time, right? Wrong! Even working round the clock and enlisting the help of friends and family...there is no way in heck this house is going to be anywhere near ready by the end of next week...no sirree...not going to happen.

All of that to say...that when my bestie has enlisted the help of others she most certainly makes sure they are happy while they work...she knows I like my beer and therefore has been stocking her fridge...so last night as we were organizing her garage and making room for all the doors in the house (which we later removed and placed in the garage) she was making sure I had a full beer at all times. I do believe I had at least 5 in the 4 hours I was there. Not so bad...I guess...

Except...that the boyfriend also decided to come home with a bottle of rum after work (completely odd because like I said we don't normally drink during the week)...guess he figured if I was going out he'd have his own little party after the boy went to bed lol.

So...he convinced me to have 2 drinks (he made them and he made them strong too!) before I left to go work at the house...and then after my 5 beers...when I got home I decided it would be a grand idea to have not one...but TWO more rum and cokes...

It's not a wonder when I awoke to the sound of the alarm clock this morning I was wishing it was all just a dream and that I could sleep for...oh say...another 4 hours, that's really not too much to ask, is it?

I felt nauseous until about 11:00 this morning when I got ravenously hungry...but I'm all good now...not that I think I could even smell rum or beer at this moment in time.

Drama...oh how I love thee

2009-08-19T12:03:00.003-05:00

I mean I don't really like drama when it is in my life...but I love to hear about other peoples drama or watch it on TV.

My all time favourite show is Big Brother...and it pains me that it only airs in the summer months...but you better believe I am glued to my TV the 3 nights a week that it airs.

Quick recap about the show for those of you that don't watch or even know what this show is (how that's possible, I'll never know...you must be living under a rock if you've never heard of the show).

Anyways, each summer 12 houseguests enter the house...every week there are different challenges...most important being the HOH (or Head of Household) competition. Whoever wins HOH then nominates 2 of the houseguests for eviction. Those 2 nominees then get to play for the POV (or Power of Veto) in which (if they win) they can take themselves off the 'block' and another houseguest will be nominated. Every Thursday there is a live eviction and the houseguests all vote for who will be evicted.

This season has proven to be one of my favourites! Not because I really like any of the people that are playing this season...but because they've managed to fill the house with a bunch of crazy lunatics (of course that is just my opinion). I mean normally the show has one person that I consider to 'have a few screws loose' or 'are a few cards short of a full deck'...and I've always found it mildy entertaining...but this year...this year, they have found not one crazy...but at least three!

In last night's show one of the houseguests was expelled from the show for breaking the rules of the contract by refusing to wear her microphone and then eventually throwing it into the pool.

It seems this season the majority of houseguests have lost focus on the real reason they are there...hello half a million dollars anyone???...and instead have decided they are there to make lifelong friends...how else could you explain Chima's behaviour last night? I mean really...she's just going to roll over and die? Why not fight for the POV and maybe win and take yourself off the block...no instead she threw a big old temper tantrum...but that's why I love the show...so I ain't complainin'.

So who is your favourite? Who would you like to see win?

if you don't watch...how on earth do you get *your* drama fix???

I'd personally love to see Jordan or Jeff take the money...in my opinion they are destined to have that fairy tale ending...so either or can win it (if it were up to me of course)...and they can go on and live happily ever after...getting it on...making babies...and growing old together...

Summer...you've left me again...

2009-08-17T13:45:00.004-05:00

It sure felt like Fall this morning as we headed out the door...chilly and windy...no say it ain't so...Summer was pretty non-existent and you expect me to go right into Fall???

I didn't get to the beach over the weekend like I hoped I would...it rained and rained and rained...but alas I spent the wet weekend outdoors regardless.

Saturday the boyfriend and I sat in the yard and watched the rain...he barbequed pork tenderloin and I just sat and watched him get wet...offering up my umbrella which he kept refusing lol.

Yesterday we all went fishing...when we first got there it was pouring down rain and although we each had an umbrella (the boy sported a nifty little umbrella hat...lol) we got soaked...I sulked in the car for a bit because the boyfriend got a little irritated that I had no idea how to use a fishing rod...HELLO...CITY girl here...the last time I touched a fishing rod was when I was about 14...alot of years ago...Anyways, by the time I was done sulking the rain had died down quite a bit and I was glad I stuck it out and got to see my boy catch his very first fish ever.

He absolutely loved it and would have sat out there all day...as it was we had sat out for a good 4 hours...and as it was time to go he begged to stay and try and catch just one more fishie. Nope I had to say no because this mama had to pee and was not going "lumberjack style" as my boy calls it (I have no clue where the heck he even came up with that term)!!

If you're on Facebook you've seen these pics...but for those of you that aren't (for some reason they show up tiny here...I think if you click them you'll be able to see them better):

Writers Workshop - Time Outs

2009-08-13T09:07:00.003-05:00

It's Thursday and that means it's time for the Writers Workshop over at Mama Kat's and I totally think you all should join in the fun so head there now and find out how.

The Prompts:

1.) Your trip to the ER...spill it.

2.) "Why are American's obsessed with weight? Why are we always fighting or complaining about what is natural for our bodies?"

3.) Describe one of your 'God Moments'.

4.) List ten things you would say to ten different people in your life...if you had the hutzpah.

5.) Why is your kid in time out?

This week I'm not going to go with number 3...instead I've chosen number 5.

Much to the boy's dismay I will share with you a few of his bratty traits...lol. You see lately...this sweet, cute boy of mine has become a sassy, back talking kid who is 8 going on about 15. He absolutely despises going to his room...yet seems to land himself there at least once a day for his attitude...but at the same time...can I really fault him...he is *my* son afterall...I'm as sassy as they come! lol.

Case in point...the following conversation landed the boy in bed 15 minutes early last night.

Boy: Mom, you forgot to pack underwear for me to change into after swimming today so I had to go all afternoon with no underwear and just my shorts!

***side note, why this is a problem I'll never know...this kid numerous times has decided he wants to go commando...but anyways...***

Me: No, I distinctly remember putting some in your bag along with the shorts and your towel.

Boy: Nope...you definitely did not...I looked and looked and found nothing.

Me: Quit arguing with me. Am I going to have to prove it to you?

Boy: Well, I don't see how you'll prove it...I know there were none there (in his sassy little voice).

Me: (completely annoyed at this point...I go into his daycare bag and alas...) Well you must have been looking with your eyes closed because here they are, right where I said they would be.

Boy: Oh well...I looked and couldn't find them...so I don't know how they got there now (once again sassy sing songing voice...eye roll, etc.)

Me: You know what...you just wasted 10 minutes of my time arguing over something so silly...so for that...you are going to bed right after your shower!!!

Boy: Buuuuuutttttttttt moooooooooooooooooooooom...that is so unfair!

***at this point I walked away and told him he better get in the shower now...or he was in danger of a spanking...I do not handle this attitude thing well...hence the reason he *will* be 15 and still getting spanked.***

It's Hotter than Heck!!!

2009-08-11T19:43:00.003-05:00

Yay, summer has finally arrived...it's a little late...guess it slept in a little or something (totally cheesy, this I know)!

Anyway, I will not complain about this heat wave...despite the fact that we only have a window box air conditioner in our bedroom...nope still not complaining...is it weird we've spent every waking minute in there since Sunday morning? Well besides work obviously...which by the way has been freezing every day this week...like almost see your breath cold...it kind of sucks when I have to type and my fingers feel numb they are soooo cold...yep that's right, not complaing about that either :)

We've planned a beach day for the upcoming weekend...because I'd love this heat a whole lot more if I could spend it near water...please please please let it be nice and sunny and warm this weekend!!!!

Oh right, I came on here to describe to you my biggest pet peeve of the moment...now I know everyone hates to sweat...it's just gross and nasty (and sometimes stinky)! BUTTTTTTTT, if you are a woman...you most likely know the pain that I am about to describe to you (okay, pain might not be the right word lol)...but you know when you have a set of girls (not literal girls, but you know...THE 'girls') and you are all sweaty every once in awhile...it itches there in THAT crack...I don't know why or how the sweat makes it itch...but it's so dang irritating...not to mention not easy to scratch!!!

It's True What They Say

2009-08-10T11:21:00.003-05:00

The little gadget I got myself on my birthday that is called a blackberry...should most definitely be called a 'crackberry'. Now I've never been addicted to crack (or even tried it for that matter) but I can imagine it's something you have to have at all times...as I now find myself doing with my blackberry. If I'm watching tv it's in my hands, when we go to bed at night I always find myself just checking ONE more thing...I take it everywhere with me and if I misplace it I go CRAZY...not that I've actually misplaced it...but there may have been a time when I thought I had and I freaked out...heart racing, sweaty palms...it was horrible!!!!

Just this past weekend I managed to make my addiction a little worse (as if I thought that was even possible lol) by trying out the game on there...called Brickbreaker...OMG so much fun. I managed to make it to level 10 out of 35 last night which was a huge improvement from level 3 lol. Only problem is when you get a "game over" the stupid game doesn't save and you have to start all the way back at level 1...how irritating!!!!

The boy has noticed my addiction...you know it's bad when your child says to you "you know mom, if I can put my DS down for like a half hour to do something else...well you should be able to put your phone down too"...yep it's bad!

Writers Workshop - I Spy With My Little Eye...

2009-08-06T12:14:00.004-05:00

It's that time again...Time for Mamakat's writers workshop - this week I'm going with the 3rd prompt...and I think I did last week too...is it a coincidence my favorite number is 3??? Probably not lol.

The Prompts:

1.) What's ailing you? Diagnose yourself with a syndrome.(inspired by Kimberly from Kamp KK)

2.) Share with us something you made by hand.(inspired by Texan Mama via email)

3.) Fess up. Tell us what you found after a spying on someone.(inspired by The Scattered Mind of a Tattooed Mini Van Mom)

4.) "How are y'all doing it? This summer, I mean? I cannot remember ever being as busy as we've been over the past two months. Those of you who are blogging daily, being as witty and entertaining as ever...I beg of you...HOW?"(inspired By Lula from Lulaville)

5.)What are you afraid of?(inspired by Life With Kaishon)

Are you a snoop? Cause I sure am! It's in my blood...I snoop all the time...you may not want me to come babysit at your house because chances are I'll go through your things...haha...j/k...it's not quite that bad...but close.

I spy on the lawyers I work for here at work by reading their email inboxes. Totally legal since I have access to them right on my computer...what's that you say? I'm only supposed to read their e-mails when they are on vacation and they ask me to keep 'an eye on them'...oh really! Well that's just no fun. I haven't found any juicy or interesting gossip...I've learnt a few things about their family through joke emails or personal emails - for example one of the women I work for...her sister just bought a puppy and they are having a hard time naming it...not really interesting stuff...but when I'm bored it helps the day go by!

I snoop in the boyfriend's email too...he was stupid enough to give me his password way back when...so why can't I snoop?

But it has bitten me in the butt a few times...first time being when I found an email (about 5 months into our relationship) between him and an old friend...who also happens to be female...apparently it was all in good fun but it had an underlying tone that made me really uncomfortable...so he has since stopped being so flirty with the other girls in his life...I guess some guys are just flirty by nature...

Since that one incident there's been nothing I need to be afraid of...and really I probably shouldn't snoop and just trust him...and is it even a trust issue? Nah...I honestly think it's just boredom...I haven't been bored lately so I haven't been in his emails lol.

Mud Day

2009-08-05T12:20:00.003-05:00

Have you ever heard of such a thing?

Neither had I...until recently. You see the boy's daycare has every day of the month (both July and August) filled up with different activities for the kids to do while they are on summer vacation...lots of places to go or on other days activities they can do at the centre.

Yesterday...was mud day. What exactly is mud day? Wellllllll, let me tell you...basically they fill kiddie pools up with oodles and oodles of mud and the kids can jump in them, swim in them, and just get downright dirty. I've seen pictures of previous years (ours haven't been put up at daycare yet but I'm sure that's coming soon) and these kids are just covered...but having oh so much fun.

The boy had to shower last night and I actually had to help him scrub his legs because it had dried and caked on lol. It was in his ears, between his toes...and literally dripping from his hair...the staff had hosed the kids off as best they could and they had changed into new clothes...but boy did I have a mess to clean up on him at shower time.

But it was oh so worth the mess...the boy had a blast!!! He said it was so cool and so much fun! Boys will be boys.

He keeps on Growin'...just stop it already!

2009-08-04T15:00:00.005-05:00

Speaking of McDonalds...well I was here anyway...

Very recently the boy has decided that a happy meal just doesn't do it anymore...in fact a happy meal with an extra cheeseburger doesn't even fill him up...I swear this child has hollow legs and is never ever full...

Anyway, the past 2 or 3 times we've gone to McDonalds the boy has asked for a 'grown-up' meal...with (of course) a toy on the side...and I've given in. The child needs to eat till he's full so I don't immediately hear "Mom, I'm hungry" and I do mean immediately...usually about 10 seconds after he's swallowed his last fry that's what I hear!

But I have to say I'm sad...he's not a little boy anymore...he's almost a teenager actually (only 4 more years that I'm sure will fly by)...and what saddens me even more...

The past 2 times McDonalds has forgotten to give us a toy (thankfully I also wasn't charged for it either time)...the boy's response when we get home and realize this "ah, that's okay mama...those toys are kind of babyish anyway"...

Ummmm, excuse me...what did you just say young man??? Babyish toys??? Since when???

It really is bittersweet...

On the one hand I won't have these stupid toys all over my house...you know the ones...the ones they just HAVE to have...yet they only play with them for 3.2 seconds and then they are long forgotten...we have drawers of McDonalds toys...

On the other hand I want him to stay little forever...and I want him to like those 'baby' toys...at least for a few more years...sigh.

Long Weekend Fun!

2009-08-03T12:32:00.003-05:00

If you are Canadian...then you know this weekend is a long weekend and hopefully you've had as much relaxation time as we have...

YES, I'd much rather be out camping or at the beach soaking up the sun....but sadly our weather is the pits...it's cold and rainy....no fun at all! But we've managed to keep busy.

Friday night the boy had his little friend sleepover...not much sleeping went on...but they were cute and giggly and I just couldn't seperate them...in the end they seperated themselves and went to bed around 11:30 or so...only to be up the next morning before 6:30 a.m.

Saturday was spent relaxing and bbqing and then we had all the neighbourhood kids over for a fire in the backyard...complete with smores and lots of other yummy 'junk'...potatoe chips a plenty and popcorn too.

Sunday we lazed around most of the day...eventually heading out for some slurpees and a nice walk...thankfully though it seemed gloomy most of the day the rain stayed at bay. Last night the boyfriend and I saw the movie "Taken"...It was good...but I guess I was expecting better since I've heard alot of hype over it.

Today has just been declared family day...we are off in a bit to see the movie "Aliens in the Attic" as per the boys request...and currently the boyfriend is out getting us some McDonalds...the boy will be over the moon when he's surprised with that....despite the fact we just had fast food on Thursday lol....what can I say...I don't like to cook when I"m in relaxation mode...hence the reason we ate out Thursday and then ordered in chinese for Friday...oh and the boyfriend bbqed Saturday...so I've really been let off the hook this weekend!

I hope you all enjoyed your weekends...whether it was a nice long one (don't hate me if you don't have today off!) or just a 2 day one!

Writers Workshop - a day in my life

2009-07-29T18:50:00.003-05:00

Every week the lovely Mamakat hosts a writers workshop. Hop on over there to find out how you can join in the fun too.

The Prompts:

1.) Who made you red hot this week?

2.) A day in your life...recap.(inspired by Jennifer from Toddler Tirade)

3.) What decision are you having a hard time making?(inspired by Evansmom from Just Sayin')

4.) How will you enjoy your last days of freedom (aka summer)?(inspired by Heather from A Day In The Life)

5.)List your 7 most favorite summer items!(inspired by Summer from Le Musings of Moi

A day in the life of Mel - that's me!

So on an average weekday I don't get my butt into bed until well after 11:00 pm....what can I say, I'm a night owl! Because of this I'm forever waking up later than I should be - pressing the snooze button about 3 or 4 times lol. Eventually the alarm clock says 6:40 (or thereabouts) and I realize I better get moving or we will be extremely late (but somehow I'm never actually late...to my surprise).

I get the boy up and then I jump into the shower. The boy gets himself dressed and meets me in the kitchen where I get him cereal and make coffee. I go back and lay in bed and snuggle with the boyfriend for about 5 minutes and suddenly realize that I'm probably in danger of heading right back into dreamland...so then get up and so does he. He showers we both have a quick cup of coffee while getting ready and are out the door by 7:45.

The boyfriend drops us off at daycare and I take the boy in and make sure he is settled for the day...then I walk up the street to the bus stop where I often meet my friend E...love riding the bus with someone to chat to!

I get to work for 8:29 (see, not late lol)....spend my day typing out letters, documents, setting up meetings, talking to clients, doing bills...oh and of course spending any free moment I have on Blogger and a message board I frequent. Look very forward to our 2, 20 minute coffee breaks and my lunch hour (E and I usually meet up to go for a 45 minute walk).

4:30 - home time - or rather about 4:23 is when I log off so I'm not in danger of missing my bus!

5:00 arrive home - the boy and the boyfriend are always home first...usually they've tidied the house and/or prepped dinner...I come in and take over.

We eat at about 6:00 and after dinner I can finally relax!!!

Relaxing consists of tv watching usually...but on rare evenings when I have a bit of energy we'll go for a walk or perhaps have a fire in the backyard...all weather permitting of course.

8:30 is the boy's bedtime...and we've been trying to get back to reading to him for that quality time...since he's learnt to read I've really gotten away from reading to him (because of course I want him to practice and get better at it) but we're slowly getting back into a routine where the boyfriend or I will read him a chapter of a book we've started (Superfudge by Judy Blume) and then the boy can read his Pokemon book for 1/2 hour before it's lights out...

Like I said I get to bed later than I should...and then it's up to do it all over again!!!

Pray Pray and Pray Some More

2009-07-27T11:54:00.002-05:00

If you are a blogger you have no doubt heard of or been to or follow MckMama's blog at My Charming Kids.

Her youngest child, Stellan was diagnosed with heart problems (I don't remember all the technical terms, please forgive me) in the womb...he is now 8 months old...recently I, and likely many other readers of her blog, really thought that Stellan was in the clear...yes I realize not completely...but it seemed the immediate danger was no more...he was SVT free for days in a row.

This last weekend was a rough one and he is now in the hospital once again. Please pray for this little boy who has already been through so much in his young life! Please also pray for his immediate family members...mom, dad, and 3 siblings...they are all going through such a hard time right now.

Hair today...gone tomorrow

2009-07-23T12:12:00.003-05:00

Yes...I know...you are all dying to see a picture of *my* hair...but alas...the humidity lately is making it not look so nice...think big ball of frizz..and well..by the time you actually get to see a pic it will be longish again and the layers will have started to grow out...

Sooooooooooooo, instead here is the boy...

Before (taken July 5, 2009)

And after (taken July 22, 2009)...sorry it's blurry I was trying out the camera on my blackberry and the lighting in my living room wasn't great.

I've had mixed reviews on his haircut...some love it...some miss his curls. I used to complain about the long shaggy do because he refused to brush it and make it look neat...but I gotta say I miss the curls...and his haircut aged him at least 2 years...sigh.

All good things must come to an end...

2009-07-20T14:02:00.003-05:00

And to be honest sometimes I'm glad when those things come to an end!

My birthday was great...but very very busy. Anyone that knows me, knows that I'm a homebody and I do not do well with chaos and having to be on the go all the time.

Friday (my actual birthday) I had a little bit of time to myself in the morning to relax while my mom and the boy ran some errands...then the three of us went for lunch...immediately after that I got my 'hair did'. I decided not to do anything drastic and kept the length (she trimmed it a little) but also had her put in a few more layers. I haven't quite figured out how to style it best but once I do you'll likely see some pics. Oh and the boy got his haircut too...I'll definitely have to share pics of his new 'do' because it is sooooooooo short now! It only took a little bit of bribery (I find pokemon cards work best). Now I'm getting sidetracked...back to my birthday lol...after our hair appts. we had some shopping to do and since we were at the mall and the boyfriend had lost my cell phone about a month ago I went in to find a new one...and in the end gave myself a little birthday present...I got a blackberry!!! And I have to say I love love love it. After that we headed over to my uncle's house for a BBQ and some fabulous cheesecake and a strawberry shortcake. The evening was spent with the boyfriend and another couple (my best friend P and her hubby)...we drank and drank and drank...think $100 worth drank (and that was just me and the boyfriend)...

So as you can imagine the next day I was not in very fine form lol. We had plans to be up early and meet my aunt and grandfather for breakfast (when my mom is in town we see alot of my family!)...and then it was off to a local thrift store...where I scored a really cute jean skirt and about 15 chapter books for the boy...all at 0.25 a piece! woot woot. The rest of the day was a bit more mellow...I did some yardwork with the boyfriend and then we barbequed steak.

Sunday, we had dinner with the boyfriend's mom and I was given another whole cake...this time black forest...what in the world will I do with all of that damn cake in my house??? It's so not helping with my diet and exercise plan!!!!

All in all it was a great birthday weekend...I felt so loved and so spoiled by everyone in my life. Quite honestly I couldn't have asked for a better birthday weekend!