Every week the lovely Mamakat hosts this cool Writers Workshop...head on over to hear blog to learn how to play along.
This week I'm cheating a little and writing on 2 of her prompts.
1.) What is your life's anthem? You know...that song that is ALWAYS in your head. The one you'd go to sing first if someone told you to sing a song right NOW. What is it and what does it mean to you?
Well, back in my single days my friends gave me the anthem "Promiscuous Girl" by Nelly Furtado...I wasn't offended in the slightest...but it was hardly true...I may have changed guys like I changed my underwear...BUT I was not necessarily sleeping with every single one of them....GEESH!!! lol.
But today I live by the anthem "If Tomorrow Never Comes" By Garth Brooks...sounds morbid a little...this I know...but I need to remind myself that it's the little things that matter in day to day life and it's very important to let the ones close to you know how much they mean to you each and every single day. I try to live each day to the fullest and have fun in everything I do.
4.) Describe in what ways you expect too much from your significant other. Do they deserve an apology?
I expect so much from the boyfriend...and quite honestly he is doing so much better lately...but I often question if I do expect too much. Is it too much to ask that he take a little initiative? When it comes to housework he needs to be told what needs to be done and when...for me it's easy I look around and see the mess and know it needs to be cleaned...so I clean it. I realize now he came from a household where his mother did *everything* for him and his brother...and she still does too much for them IMO. Whereas I grew up in a single parent family and alot of the responsibility was left on my shoulders...so I learnt early on that if I didn't take initiative we wouldn't be fed or have clean clothes to wear. We are just different...doesn't make either one of us wrong.
Also, when it comes to the boy...I expected a lot in the beginning...that is very hard for me to admit...but it's true. I expected (or maybe hoped is a better word) that he'd be able to walk into our family and become a father to the boy...not just any father though the kind of father that I always wanted...a fun one that never yelled or got frustrated...and oh how unreasonable that was...even I get frustrated with the boy and raise my voice at him or overreact from time to time. But I honestly believe now that we've found a balance.
Does the boyfriend deserve an apology...maybe...but I think alot of 'me expecting too much from him' was more a communication block than anything else...I didn't know how to tell him that he wasn't meeting my expectations without becoming a raving lunatic and he then would react in the same lunatic fashion...since we've (completely) opened up the communication we are getting along a whole lot better, we are all alot happier and our house is a whole lot cleaner lol.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Friend Makin' Monday - Tuesday Edition
This is my first week participating...and I'm doing it all wrong...even on the wrong day lol.
But I've been meaning to jump on this bandwagon that Kasey started and figured this was a great question to start with:
How did you and your significant other meet? and if you don't have a significant other at the moment then what would be your dream way to meet him?
The boyfriend and I have been together now for just over two years. We met (in person) for the first time on May 12, 2007.
How did we meet??? Online! At plentyoffish.com to be exact! And let me tell you, I was dead set against online dating...I thought it was stupid and not for me...but over time one of my very good friends talked me into creating a profile. To this day I have her to thank for the boyfriend and I meeting...but I also have her to thank for a whole lot of 'duds' I met before him lol.
So D finally convinced me to create a profile in August, 2006. I chatted with guys online but wasn't ready to meet anyone in person...until about November of the same year...when I met my first online dating 'dud'. Seriously, all these guys seemed to go online to find sluts and hoes...and they were not finding that with me. But I gave it a few more go arounds...all ending with 'duds'.
Two of my closest friends even went so far as creating a profile for me and attempting to screen the men before I met them...that didn't work out so well...I ended up dating a guy they chose for a mere 2 weeks and after that mere 2 weeks he had plans to move in with me and become a family...me, the boy, his boy and him...ummm no thanks...I don't move *that* quickly!
In February 2007 the boyfriend chatted me up (instant message on POF)...I immediately told him he wasn't my type...he had a full beard and I just was not attracted to guys with facial hair...a little goatee, maybe...or even a little bit of fuzz...but I just did not like the picture I saw in his profile...so we only chatted briefly...call me shallow...but if I know instantly that I will not be physically attracted to you then I blow you off...
Fast forward to May 2007...it was a busy time for me and I had all but given up on the whole online dating system...when I was browsing one Friday night and came across the boyfriend's profile...only he looked nothing like his previous picture (now clean shaven)...in fact, so much so that I didn't recognize him as the guy I had chatted with previously. When I chatted him up and he then pointed that out I felt like a fool!!!!
Anyway, we chatted online and on the phone for a week...I wasn't really sure that he was ever going to ask to meet in person...so I did. The day after the boy's birthday (a Saturday) we had tons to do...I had plans to meet friends in the early afternoon for patio drinks while the boy stayed and played with another friend's son...then it was off to the family BBQ we had planned for the boy's birthday...but that night I decided would be a great night to meet in person...I figured after the boy was in bed I'd invite (who I now refer to as) the boyfriend over. I know what you are thinking...and I wouldn't recommend it because it's not a very safe way to meet people...but at the time I felt like I knew him...and in the end it all worked out for the best. Would I do it again that way? Absolutely not!! There are far too many sickos out there. And the guys I had met previously I made sure to meet in a public place and I always let my bff where I was going to be and who I was meeting...but with the boyfriend all of that went out the window.
So he came over that night...we talked until the wee hours of the morning...even watching the sunrise through my living room window...he just did not want to leave me lol.
A week later he met the boy and the rest is history.
We've had a rough go of it the past two years...blending is not an easy task...I was a single mom for the entire first 6 years of the boy's life and I still struggle with 'sharing' the responsibilities, discipline, etc. with the boyfriend...but I know we are in it for the long haul and really really love each other.
So there you have it folks!
But I've been meaning to jump on this bandwagon that Kasey started and figured this was a great question to start with:
How did you and your significant other meet? and if you don't have a significant other at the moment then what would be your dream way to meet him?
The boyfriend and I have been together now for just over two years. We met (in person) for the first time on May 12, 2007.
How did we meet??? Online! At plentyoffish.com to be exact! And let me tell you, I was dead set against online dating...I thought it was stupid and not for me...but over time one of my very good friends talked me into creating a profile. To this day I have her to thank for the boyfriend and I meeting...but I also have her to thank for a whole lot of 'duds' I met before him lol.
So D finally convinced me to create a profile in August, 2006. I chatted with guys online but wasn't ready to meet anyone in person...until about November of the same year...when I met my first online dating 'dud'. Seriously, all these guys seemed to go online to find sluts and hoes...and they were not finding that with me. But I gave it a few more go arounds...all ending with 'duds'.
Two of my closest friends even went so far as creating a profile for me and attempting to screen the men before I met them...that didn't work out so well...I ended up dating a guy they chose for a mere 2 weeks and after that mere 2 weeks he had plans to move in with me and become a family...me, the boy, his boy and him...ummm no thanks...I don't move *that* quickly!
In February 2007 the boyfriend chatted me up (instant message on POF)...I immediately told him he wasn't my type...he had a full beard and I just was not attracted to guys with facial hair...a little goatee, maybe...or even a little bit of fuzz...but I just did not like the picture I saw in his profile...so we only chatted briefly...call me shallow...but if I know instantly that I will not be physically attracted to you then I blow you off...
Fast forward to May 2007...it was a busy time for me and I had all but given up on the whole online dating system...when I was browsing one Friday night and came across the boyfriend's profile...only he looked nothing like his previous picture (now clean shaven)...in fact, so much so that I didn't recognize him as the guy I had chatted with previously. When I chatted him up and he then pointed that out I felt like a fool!!!!
Anyway, we chatted online and on the phone for a week...I wasn't really sure that he was ever going to ask to meet in person...so I did. The day after the boy's birthday (a Saturday) we had tons to do...I had plans to meet friends in the early afternoon for patio drinks while the boy stayed and played with another friend's son...then it was off to the family BBQ we had planned for the boy's birthday...but that night I decided would be a great night to meet in person...I figured after the boy was in bed I'd invite (who I now refer to as) the boyfriend over. I know what you are thinking...and I wouldn't recommend it because it's not a very safe way to meet people...but at the time I felt like I knew him...and in the end it all worked out for the best. Would I do it again that way? Absolutely not!! There are far too many sickos out there. And the guys I had met previously I made sure to meet in a public place and I always let my bff where I was going to be and who I was meeting...but with the boyfriend all of that went out the window.
So he came over that night...we talked until the wee hours of the morning...even watching the sunrise through my living room window...he just did not want to leave me lol.
A week later he met the boy and the rest is history.
We've had a rough go of it the past two years...blending is not an easy task...I was a single mom for the entire first 6 years of the boy's life and I still struggle with 'sharing' the responsibilities, discipline, etc. with the boyfriend...but I know we are in it for the long haul and really really love each other.
So there you have it folks!
Monday, May 25, 2009
Bzzzzzzzzzzz
Have you heard aboout BzzAgent?
I hadn't before I entered the blogging world...but let me tell you, I received my first campaign about 2 weeks ago (yes I am very behind in blogging about it...but I'm behind in all aspects of my life these days...deal with it! lol) and I can't wait until the next one.
You can click here to learn more about BzzAgent...but the summary of how it works is...they send you free samples of products to try and then you Bzz about them...or in other words tell people about them. They come with coupons that you can give out to your friends and family and really I just think it's a fantastic way to try new things. I know if it wasn't for this campaign the boy and I likely would have never tried the Nesquick Less Sugar Drinking Boxes. Now the boy is hooked and they've been added to our regular grocery shopping list.
I'm not a big milk drinker...and for that reason I hardly ever offer it to the boy...I know I'm horrible, because I know he likes it...but unless he asks me for it he usually gets juice or water. Chalk it up to mommy brain...I really have to make a very conscious effort to ensure he is drinking a good amount of milk...but now that I know he likes the Nesquick boxes, I've replaced the fruit juice I usually send with him for lunch with the milk.
They sent us a sample of each kind to try...so that's a total of 9 drinking boxes - 3 in each flavour, consisting of chocolate, strawberry and vanilla. Can you guess which one the boy loves most??? Definitely the chocolate...but I know he really did enjoy each kind.
The fact that these particular drinking boxes have less sugar really is an added bonus. We've been trying to cut out as much sugar as we can in our house (not so much for the boy...but in general) so I was impressed that they had less sugar and still tasted great.
All in all I was very impressed and thoroughly enjoyed this campaign!
I hadn't before I entered the blogging world...but let me tell you, I received my first campaign about 2 weeks ago (yes I am very behind in blogging about it...but I'm behind in all aspects of my life these days...deal with it! lol) and I can't wait until the next one.
You can click here to learn more about BzzAgent...but the summary of how it works is...they send you free samples of products to try and then you Bzz about them...or in other words tell people about them. They come with coupons that you can give out to your friends and family and really I just think it's a fantastic way to try new things. I know if it wasn't for this campaign the boy and I likely would have never tried the Nesquick Less Sugar Drinking Boxes. Now the boy is hooked and they've been added to our regular grocery shopping list.
I'm not a big milk drinker...and for that reason I hardly ever offer it to the boy...I know I'm horrible, because I know he likes it...but unless he asks me for it he usually gets juice or water. Chalk it up to mommy brain...I really have to make a very conscious effort to ensure he is drinking a good amount of milk...but now that I know he likes the Nesquick boxes, I've replaced the fruit juice I usually send with him for lunch with the milk.
They sent us a sample of each kind to try...so that's a total of 9 drinking boxes - 3 in each flavour, consisting of chocolate, strawberry and vanilla. Can you guess which one the boy loves most??? Definitely the chocolate...but I know he really did enjoy each kind.
The fact that these particular drinking boxes have less sugar really is an added bonus. We've been trying to cut out as much sugar as we can in our house (not so much for the boy...but in general) so I was impressed that they had less sugar and still tasted great.
All in all I was very impressed and thoroughly enjoyed this campaign!
Saturday, May 23, 2009
When did it happen?
When did life get so busy that I hardly have time to blog anymore...I am not happy about that! lol. But I guess I'm enjoying the nice weather and spending time with family and friends...
Today alone consists of:
Some major cleaning...my fridge needs it the most. Then it's on to the basement...that will be a task and a half.
Then we have a BBQ to attend for the boy's birthday combined with my uncle's whose is 3 days after the boy's. Head home around the boy's bedtime and then I have some friends coming over for a fire in my backyard and beers!
I hope to relax some tomorrow...but I foresee more cleaning and organizing...
I hope you all have fantabulous weekends!
Today alone consists of:
Some major cleaning...my fridge needs it the most. Then it's on to the basement...that will be a task and a half.
Then we have a BBQ to attend for the boy's birthday combined with my uncle's whose is 3 days after the boy's. Head home around the boy's bedtime and then I have some friends coming over for a fire in my backyard and beers!
I hope to relax some tomorrow...but I foresee more cleaning and organizing...
I hope you all have fantabulous weekends!
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Extreme Makeover - Me Edition - Week 9
So how did Wednesday come upon us so quickly???
Wednesday here at my blog (and quite a few others) means it's time to update our progress in the exercise/eating department...if you want to join us in this journey than go over to Amber's blog at aefilkins and find out how.
This past week was once again a big BUST in the exercise department...I'm still on antibiotics and still not feeling 100%. I really didn't think bronchitis would have me knocked out for well over 2 weeks....but it has...I guess it's partially my fault because I haven't exactly been 'resting' like I should be. Our weather has been cold, damp and rainy so I haven't been walking at lunch time as much as I'd like to...and I just didn't have the energy to do stairs last week either.
The good news is...all the walking we did on our road trip (power shopping) translated to approximately 32 miles covered by foot - yes that IS alot of shopping...I calculated about 16 hours of shopping in 2.5 days...can you say WOW??? lol. That's got to be good exercise, right???
In the eating department I didn't totally blow it...even though over the weekend I wasn't as health conscious as I should have been....I managed not to go too overboard in the 'junk' department. But it's that time of the month..and for the past 2 days I have been stuffing my face with chips...something I had given up for close to a month.
But I'm back on my diet starting NOW...and I hope to exercise tonight, after American Idol of course!!! We no longer have a tv in the basement and that is definitely taking away from my elliptical time...perhaps I should steal it back from the boy.
This week Amber is asking:
Name your guilty pleasure. Think of a healthier choice you could use as a substitute.
My guilty pleasure is most definitely chips! Or anything salty for that matter...crackers, peanuts...
When I'm in diet mode I cut out carbs as much as I can and snack alot on meat and cheese...it seems to do the trick for a few weeks...but then someone puts a bowl/bag of chips in front of me and I just can't stop till they are all gone.
I don't have a sweet tooth...though a chocolate bar every now and again is definitely yummy.
So how did you do this week??? I hope to do much better next week
Wednesday here at my blog (and quite a few others) means it's time to update our progress in the exercise/eating department...if you want to join us in this journey than go over to Amber's blog at aefilkins and find out how.
This past week was once again a big BUST in the exercise department...I'm still on antibiotics and still not feeling 100%. I really didn't think bronchitis would have me knocked out for well over 2 weeks....but it has...I guess it's partially my fault because I haven't exactly been 'resting' like I should be. Our weather has been cold, damp and rainy so I haven't been walking at lunch time as much as I'd like to...and I just didn't have the energy to do stairs last week either.
The good news is...all the walking we did on our road trip (power shopping) translated to approximately 32 miles covered by foot - yes that IS alot of shopping...I calculated about 16 hours of shopping in 2.5 days...can you say WOW??? lol. That's got to be good exercise, right???
In the eating department I didn't totally blow it...even though over the weekend I wasn't as health conscious as I should have been....I managed not to go too overboard in the 'junk' department. But it's that time of the month..and for the past 2 days I have been stuffing my face with chips...something I had given up for close to a month.
But I'm back on my diet starting NOW...and I hope to exercise tonight, after American Idol of course!!! We no longer have a tv in the basement and that is definitely taking away from my elliptical time...perhaps I should steal it back from the boy.
This week Amber is asking:
Name your guilty pleasure. Think of a healthier choice you could use as a substitute.
My guilty pleasure is most definitely chips! Or anything salty for that matter...crackers, peanuts...
When I'm in diet mode I cut out carbs as much as I can and snack alot on meat and cheese...it seems to do the trick for a few weeks...but then someone puts a bowl/bag of chips in front of me and I just can't stop till they are all gone.
I don't have a sweet tooth...though a chocolate bar every now and again is definitely yummy.
So how did you do this week??? I hope to do much better next week
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
I'm BAAAAAAAAAAACK
I don't have any pictures to share from our girlie roadtrip just yet...but I promise there will be lots when they all make their way to my computer!
Can I just say we had THE most fabulous time ever. 3 girls is just perfect ~ we had lots of room in the car to bring back our power shopping purchases ~ there were only 2 other girls to round up when I decided we'd spent enough time in one store and it was time to move on to the next...I think if it weren't for me we'd still be in JCPenney, having no time to see all the other stores we wanted to.
Things I learnt:
- My friend E gets very cranky if you don't feed her regularly lol.
- other friend P is a go, go, go kind of girl...even after 8 hours of shopping she wanted to do more...me and E just couldn't...sore feet make me a little cranky!
- if I were American I'd be an alcoholic...the price of booze in comparison to here...well lets just say draft beer at the bar for $2...it's double that here...in fact everything is almost double the price up here in Canada!
- after 6 hours away from "my boys" I missed them terribly.
- if they open up a Target up here I will be broke all the time.
Now I better get to reading...I have some serious catching up to do.
Can I just say we had THE most fabulous time ever. 3 girls is just perfect ~ we had lots of room in the car to bring back our power shopping purchases ~ there were only 2 other girls to round up when I decided we'd spent enough time in one store and it was time to move on to the next...I think if it weren't for me we'd still be in JCPenney, having no time to see all the other stores we wanted to.
Things I learnt:
- My friend E gets very cranky if you don't feed her regularly lol.
- other friend P is a go, go, go kind of girl...even after 8 hours of shopping she wanted to do more...me and E just couldn't...sore feet make me a little cranky!
- if I were American I'd be an alcoholic...the price of booze in comparison to here...well lets just say draft beer at the bar for $2...it's double that here...in fact everything is almost double the price up here in Canada!
- after 6 hours away from "my boys" I missed them terribly.
- if they open up a Target up here I will be broke all the time.
Now I better get to reading...I have some serious catching up to do.
Friday, May 15, 2009
Hit the road Jack...
It's time for our girlie road trip...well in about 15 hours and 15 minutes...as my bestest friend's FB reveals lol. How silly is it that us moms look soooooooooo forward to a little 'me' time that we count down by the minutes???
So I won't be around until Monday afternoon-ish...I hope you all have great weekends!
So I won't be around until Monday afternoon-ish...I hope you all have great weekends!
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Catching up...
on an award and a tag that my lovely bloggy friends gave me...I've been such a slacker!
Staci over at playing house gave me this award...like 4367 days ago...but hey at least I'm FINALLY getting around to posting it...
Staci over at playing house gave me this award...like 4367 days ago...but hey at least I'm FINALLY getting around to posting it...
Here are the award rules:
List 7 things that make you Awe-Summm and then pass the award on to 7 bloggers you love. Make sure to tag the recipients and let them know they have won! Also link back to the Queen that tagged you.
My 7
I am (most times) very laid back and easy going...you can stop in when my house is falling down around me and I'll welcome you with open arms...or you can call me up and suggest something fun and I'm right there with you whenever i can make it happen! I guess maybe I mean I can be very spontaneous (like that ramble?) lol.
Birthdays mean alot to me - I remember most of my friends and families and try to make their day extra special...even if it's just something (seemingly) small like paying for coffee or lunch...I won't forget!
I love to watch the boy as he grows...he facinates me.
I am always on time...
I always try to put myself in your shoes...whether you be the homeless man on the street begging for change or the woman that let the door slam in my face as I was walking through it...I try (my best) not to judge.
I can cook...even though I don't enjoy doing it...I gotta say I'm pretty darn good at it.
I love family time - movie nights have to be my favorite!
I tag:
Sue @ 3 peas in a pod
Liz @ sugarplum creations
Jen @ another online mom
Melissa @ My little world...
Just me @ I am awake
I also received this cool ABC meme from Tina @ Life in the Lapadula house
A - Age: 28
B - Bed size: Queen
C - Chore you hate: dishes
D - Dogs' names: No dog here anymore
E - Essential start to your day item: Coffee
F - Favorite color: blue
G - Gold or Silver: silver
H – Height: 5'7"
I - Instruments you play: does guitar hero count? lol
J - Job title: Legal secretary
K - Kid(s): 1 boy
L - Living arrangements: in a house with the boyfriend and the boy.
M - Mom's name: Marian
N – Nicknames: Mel, Chick, Mama
O - Overnight hospital stay other than birth: just when I was a kid...once menangitis and once a blood clot in the leg.
P - Pet Peeve: rude ppl that swear in front of children...like f-bombs every other word.
Q - Quote from a movie: Hmmm...i really don't have one.
R - Right or left handed: Right
S - Siblings: 2 younger bros
T - Time you wake up: 6:11 a.m. - then I hit snooze a few times :)
U- Underwear: always
V - Vegetable you dislike: mushrooms
W - Ways you run late: the kiddo taking his time and asking 1,987,890 questions as we are trying to get out the door.
X - X-rays: yeah I've had them
Y - Yummy food you make: homemade hamburger helper, shepards pie
Z - Zoo animals: polar bears, monkeys lol.
I tag any of you that want to do this...come back and let me know you did, I'll come read your answers too!
Extreme Makeover - Me Edition - Week 8
So I'm a day late posting this...but I have a good excuse! I'm siiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiick. Yep really sick...with bronchitis...not fun! I took Tuesday off work to get to the doctor's office and I paid for it yesterday!
So for anyone new here, this is a weekly post created and organized by the lovely Amber over at aefilkins. Check her out and learn how to join us in our venture to lose weight and feel great.
This last week was a toughie for me...not only because I've been sick but because we also had the boy's birthday party last week and then his actual birthday on Monday - he requested McDonald's and it broke my 'staying away from fast food' streak...urgh. Not to mention the birthday cake....but I was a good girl and only had one piece!
Exercise has been non-existent...it's hard to exert yourself when you are having a hard time taking a deep breath...but I've been on antibiotics now for 2 days and am finally starting to feel better. So I hope to hop back on the exercise train.
This week Amber was asking us to show you our inspiration pictures...it could be a celebrity, a picture of our skinny selves or a picture of our not so skinny selves...
This might be an odd celebrity choice but...I've always been inspired by Kelly Ripa. She's had 3 children and IMO looks fantastic! I don't want to be stick skinny...I still want to have my curves...and I think she's got them! 
And then there is this picture of me...taken back in 2007 just after I had met the boyfriend...and before I had put on the "relationship weight" as I like to refer to it lol. I'm not far off from looking like this...but definitely need to get a little more tonage going on!
So for anyone new here, this is a weekly post created and organized by the lovely Amber over at aefilkins. Check her out and learn how to join us in our venture to lose weight and feel great.
This last week was a toughie for me...not only because I've been sick but because we also had the boy's birthday party last week and then his actual birthday on Monday - he requested McDonald's and it broke my 'staying away from fast food' streak...urgh. Not to mention the birthday cake....but I was a good girl and only had one piece!
Exercise has been non-existent...it's hard to exert yourself when you are having a hard time taking a deep breath...but I've been on antibiotics now for 2 days and am finally starting to feel better. So I hope to hop back on the exercise train.
This week Amber was asking us to show you our inspiration pictures...it could be a celebrity, a picture of our skinny selves or a picture of our not so skinny selves...
This might be an odd celebrity choice but...I've always been inspired by Kelly Ripa. She's had 3 children and IMO looks fantastic! I don't want to be stick skinny...I still want to have my curves...and I think she's got them!
And then there is this picture of me...taken back in 2007 just after I had met the boyfriend...and before I had put on the "relationship weight" as I like to refer to it lol. I'm not far off from looking like this...but definitely need to get a little more tonage going on!
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Dear mom
The boy's Mothers Day card that he made me at school says:
Dear mom,
You are the best mom in the world!
Your a great cook.
Thank you for taking me to the Moose game. (Hockey)
Thank you for taking good care of me.
I will do chores today.
Have a great day!
For the record he did no chores on Sunday...lol.
Oh his other card says:
I love you because you rock mom!
Isn't he the cutest...and I think I rock too...
Dear mom,
You are the best mom in the world!
Your a great cook.
Thank you for taking me to the Moose game. (Hockey)
Thank you for taking good care of me.
I will do chores today.
Have a great day!
For the record he did no chores on Sunday...lol.
Oh his other card says:
I love you because you rock mom!
Isn't he the cutest...and I think I rock too...
Monday, May 11, 2009
Happy 8th Birthday to my boy!
http://img.photobucket.com/player.swf?file=http://vidmg.photobucket.com/albums/v29/rileyandme/Riley_0002.flv"
Here is a little slideshow I made for him back in 2005...I think it's time I did another, eh? But I figured it best to show you all this as opposed to trying to dig out some pictures to post...for this the day I gave birth to the best little boy on Earth! It's funny how even 8 years later I sit and reminisce about my pregnancy and (yes even) labour! lol.
The boy's party was a blast on Saturday....but unfortunately there will be no pics posted because my batteries in my camera were dead, dead, dead! I don't like to lay blame...BUT I'm going to blame it on the boy...he likes to unplug things at home so his DS can be plugged in and charged....WELLLLLLLLLLL, at some point he must have unplugged the charger for the rechargable batteries that go in my camera...urgh...such is life though...I got over the frustration of having no pics or video of the special day!
One thing I learnt...8 year old boys are not into party games...I had planned about 5 and I believe we played 3 of the 5...and then we did the limbo instead of Simon Says because apparently "simon says is a boring game"...yep I had more than one child tell me that.
I hope all of you mothers out there had a great Mothers Day! As I'm sure you can tell I'm behind on my blog reading...so I'm posting to most of your Friday posts today lol. I hope to catch up soon...
Happy Monday!
Here is a little slideshow I made for him back in 2005...I think it's time I did another, eh? But I figured it best to show you all this as opposed to trying to dig out some pictures to post...for this the day I gave birth to the best little boy on Earth! It's funny how even 8 years later I sit and reminisce about my pregnancy and (yes even) labour! lol.
The boy's party was a blast on Saturday....but unfortunately there will be no pics posted because my batteries in my camera were dead, dead, dead! I don't like to lay blame...BUT I'm going to blame it on the boy...he likes to unplug things at home so his DS can be plugged in and charged....WELLLLLLLLLLL, at some point he must have unplugged the charger for the rechargable batteries that go in my camera...urgh...such is life though...I got over the frustration of having no pics or video of the special day!
One thing I learnt...8 year old boys are not into party games...I had planned about 5 and I believe we played 3 of the 5...and then we did the limbo instead of Simon Says because apparently "simon says is a boring game"...yep I had more than one child tell me that.
I hope all of you mothers out there had a great Mothers Day! As I'm sure you can tell I'm behind on my blog reading...so I'm posting to most of your Friday posts today lol. I hope to catch up soon...
Happy Monday!
Friday, May 8, 2009
I'm so excited...and I just can't hide it!!!
I'm so excited today about so many things...can you feel the excitement oozing through your computer screen???
First, tomorrow is the boy's birthday party...remember this post...well time sure flies and I can't believe the day is here already!
Second, his actual bday is on Monday - we'll go out for dinner and then he gets to pick out a brand new bike as part of his birthday present.
Third, Mothers Day on Sunday...though mine is long distance and we won't see each other...the boyfriend's mom is supposed to come over and spend some time with us...and the best part is the boyfriend has promised me a day of absolutely NO cooking...just what I asked for!!
Fourth, the big roadtrip me and my 2 best friends just planned! We thought about going camping for the long weekend next weekend (It's Victoria Day next Monday for those of you non-canadians) but when we were having trouble securing a site so close to the weekend (that's what we get for always being last minute) we decided a trip to the States (Grand Forks) was in order...I haven't been in at least 3 years and I also haven't been on an all girls roadtrip for at least 10 years...wow I'm getting old! lol. So last night we got together and decided we needed to book a hotel room...initially we thought everything was all booked up and we'd have to drive even further to find a decent/available room...but alas we found something...I don't know how decent it is...but it will just have to do.
I can't wait, I can't wait, I can't wait...
Did I mention I'm having a hard time staying focused on the boy's birthday now that we have this fun roadtrip planned???
First, tomorrow is the boy's birthday party...remember this post...well time sure flies and I can't believe the day is here already!
Second, his actual bday is on Monday - we'll go out for dinner and then he gets to pick out a brand new bike as part of his birthday present.
Third, Mothers Day on Sunday...though mine is long distance and we won't see each other...the boyfriend's mom is supposed to come over and spend some time with us...and the best part is the boyfriend has promised me a day of absolutely NO cooking...just what I asked for!!
Fourth, the big roadtrip me and my 2 best friends just planned! We thought about going camping for the long weekend next weekend (It's Victoria Day next Monday for those of you non-canadians) but when we were having trouble securing a site so close to the weekend (that's what we get for always being last minute) we decided a trip to the States (Grand Forks) was in order...I haven't been in at least 3 years and I also haven't been on an all girls roadtrip for at least 10 years...wow I'm getting old! lol. So last night we got together and decided we needed to book a hotel room...initially we thought everything was all booked up and we'd have to drive even further to find a decent/available room...but alas we found something...I don't know how decent it is...but it will just have to do.
I can't wait, I can't wait, I can't wait...
Did I mention I'm having a hard time staying focused on the boy's birthday now that we have this fun roadtrip planned???
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Extreme Makeover - Me Edition - Week 7
The fabulous Amber started this weekly post over at AEFilkins...so stop on by her blog to find out how to 'play' along.
First off, I want to thank you girls so much for giving me the support and encouragment I needed last week...each and every one of your comments meant alot to me...and the fact of the matter is it's not like I've been sitting on my couch eating potatoe chips...so why am I being so hard on myself???
Second, I received the following email last week (at work):
"Wellness" is everyone's concern - and our health and well being is not only important to our own families and loved ones, it is important to our Fillmore family as well. We started the year with our ergonomic seminar, but that was just the beginning. The firm is committed to the health, wellness and well being of all of our staff and lawyers and this is the launch of our commitment to ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to improve their wellness !!
We have been consulting with Winnipeg in Motion as well as numerous wellness institutes in order to learn how to develop and implement a Wellness Program that will benefit everyone in our firm. "The health benefits associated with being physically active on a regular basis can be achieved through a minimum of 3 short 10-minute sessions spread throughout the day or through longer sessions of moderately intense activities such as brisk walking". This is where we begin.
Our first challenge is............................................
TREKKING THE TRANS CANADA !!
This might sound daunting - but read on............you are going to be as surprised as we were !
Most adults spend over half their waking hours at work
Walking is the number one activity among Canadians
"The World Health Organization supports that regular physical activity reduces the risk of numerous chronic conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, Type 2 diabetes and several cancers." Our Fillmore family is valuable, and we want everyone to be able to participate and benefit so we want to start with walking - on lunch, during your break or at home in the evenings.
We want to "Trek the Trans Canada" and believe that we can do it. The Trans Canada Highway from St. Johns to Victoria is 7821 km. This would take approx, 30 people walking 5 km per day only 52 days. It is truly amazing what we can achieve if we work together to improve our wellness. But that's not all. Everything you do, gardening, cycling, golfing, weight training, running, washing the car and even painting your house can all be converted to kilometers to help achieve our goal !!!!!
So I've been keeping track on a calendar they gave us...and mapped out the walking route that me and my friend E do everyday at lunch and it's 1.63 miles....give or take a little because we sometimes steer a little away from our regular route.
Not to mention I've managed to get on my elliptical 2 of the 3 times I had hoped to...and my water intake has increased dramatically! So I believe I am pretty darn close to reaching all of my last week's goals.
It's really hard to give up soda/pop when you are used to having about 3 a day...I haven't totally given it up but I'm down to having just one with Dinner...the rest of the evening it's water (which I sometimes add Crystal Light to...because I still don't love the taste of water...and yes of course it has a taste! lol).
Amber is asking this week:
"We're all here at EM:ME because we're unhappy with our bodies, or our health; there are things that we are trying to change.But today you must share one thing with everybody that you absolutely love about yourself"
Hmmm, initially I thought that meant in a physical sense...so I thought about it awhile and came up with...my legs...I've always had nice long legs...and even when I gained some weight my legs didn't let me down in that they stayed nice and toned and of course they'll always be long lol.
Then after reading Amber's answer I thought well this question just means 'in general'...so I figured I'd throw that in here too. I'm often told I'm a great mix of fun and responsible...I'm easygoing yet when it really matters I can be a tough ass. Life is meant to be fun...but of course we need to take care of all the stuff that needs taking care of too!
I'm excited to read how all your week's were...but I'm busy with work...blech...
First off, I want to thank you girls so much for giving me the support and encouragment I needed last week...each and every one of your comments meant alot to me...and the fact of the matter is it's not like I've been sitting on my couch eating potatoe chips...so why am I being so hard on myself???
Second, I received the following email last week (at work):
"Wellness" is everyone's concern - and our health and well being is not only important to our own families and loved ones, it is important to our Fillmore family as well. We started the year with our ergonomic seminar, but that was just the beginning. The firm is committed to the health, wellness and well being of all of our staff and lawyers and this is the launch of our commitment to ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to improve their wellness !!
We have been consulting with Winnipeg in Motion as well as numerous wellness institutes in order to learn how to develop and implement a Wellness Program that will benefit everyone in our firm. "The health benefits associated with being physically active on a regular basis can be achieved through a minimum of 3 short 10-minute sessions spread throughout the day or through longer sessions of moderately intense activities such as brisk walking". This is where we begin.
Our first challenge is............................................
TREKKING THE TRANS CANADA !!
This might sound daunting - but read on............you are going to be as surprised as we were !
Most adults spend over half their waking hours at work
Walking is the number one activity among Canadians
"The World Health Organization supports that regular physical activity reduces the risk of numerous chronic conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, Type 2 diabetes and several cancers." Our Fillmore family is valuable, and we want everyone to be able to participate and benefit so we want to start with walking - on lunch, during your break or at home in the evenings.
We want to "Trek the Trans Canada" and believe that we can do it. The Trans Canada Highway from St. Johns to Victoria is 7821 km. This would take approx, 30 people walking 5 km per day only 52 days. It is truly amazing what we can achieve if we work together to improve our wellness. But that's not all. Everything you do, gardening, cycling, golfing, weight training, running, washing the car and even painting your house can all be converted to kilometers to help achieve our goal !!!!!
So I've been keeping track on a calendar they gave us...and mapped out the walking route that me and my friend E do everyday at lunch and it's 1.63 miles....give or take a little because we sometimes steer a little away from our regular route.
Not to mention I've managed to get on my elliptical 2 of the 3 times I had hoped to...and my water intake has increased dramatically! So I believe I am pretty darn close to reaching all of my last week's goals.
It's really hard to give up soda/pop when you are used to having about 3 a day...I haven't totally given it up but I'm down to having just one with Dinner...the rest of the evening it's water (which I sometimes add Crystal Light to...because I still don't love the taste of water...and yes of course it has a taste! lol).
Amber is asking this week:
"We're all here at EM:ME because we're unhappy with our bodies, or our health; there are things that we are trying to change.But today you must share one thing with everybody that you absolutely love about yourself"
Hmmm, initially I thought that meant in a physical sense...so I thought about it awhile and came up with...my legs...I've always had nice long legs...and even when I gained some weight my legs didn't let me down in that they stayed nice and toned and of course they'll always be long lol.
Then after reading Amber's answer I thought well this question just means 'in general'...so I figured I'd throw that in here too. I'm often told I'm a great mix of fun and responsible...I'm easygoing yet when it really matters I can be a tough ass. Life is meant to be fun...but of course we need to take care of all the stuff that needs taking care of too!
I'm excited to read how all your week's were...but I'm busy with work...blech...
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Street Hockey
Just the other day the boyfriend made a comment about how "in his day, kids never stayed indoors...especially when the weather was nice"...he mentioned that he and the neighbourhood kids were big into street hockey.
Well last night...my boy shocked me...he called on the neighbour kid (a year older) and within 5 minutes they were out on the road playing street hockey! Initially, I was freaked out...you see...the boy has never been allowed to cross the road without holding my hand...yes I do realize he is almost 8 years old and at some point I've got to allow him a little bit of independence...BUT until he asks (okay begs) for it...I intend to hold his hand while crossing the road.
I wanted to yell out to him to get off the road...but then realized that would likely have embarrased him...so instead I watched and asked the boyfriend if he thought it was okay. We live on a fairly busy street...but it's mostly local traffic...the kids were using another kid's shoes to mark out their goal 'nets' (the kid is older and volunteered his old shoes to them) so when a car came there was no moving nets...they simply allowed the cars to drive over the sneakers.
The boyfriend and I got a good chuckle out of all of this...next time I'll be sure to get some pics or video...because I'm sure the way I've described it just doesn't do it justice!
Well last night...my boy shocked me...he called on the neighbour kid (a year older) and within 5 minutes they were out on the road playing street hockey! Initially, I was freaked out...you see...the boy has never been allowed to cross the road without holding my hand...yes I do realize he is almost 8 years old and at some point I've got to allow him a little bit of independence...BUT until he asks (okay begs) for it...I intend to hold his hand while crossing the road.
I wanted to yell out to him to get off the road...but then realized that would likely have embarrased him...so instead I watched and asked the boyfriend if he thought it was okay. We live on a fairly busy street...but it's mostly local traffic...the kids were using another kid's shoes to mark out their goal 'nets' (the kid is older and volunteered his old shoes to them) so when a car came there was no moving nets...they simply allowed the cars to drive over the sneakers.
The boyfriend and I got a good chuckle out of all of this...next time I'll be sure to get some pics or video...because I'm sure the way I've described it just doesn't do it justice!
Monday, May 4, 2009
Weekends are too short!
We had a fantastic weekend this past weekend...the weather was gorgeous and we pulled out our fire pit...which immediately turned into "what food can we roast to perfection over the fire pit?". Of course the boy's first choice was marshmallows...even though he won't eat them after he roasts them....yep he's weird like that! Then we had a weenie roast (that's hot dogs for all you sick minded ppl out there...you know who you are!) and then we just sat and back and enjoyed the fire...I love fire. I could sit and stare at it for hours...I love the smell on my clothes that seems to last all night long...I just love it all.
The boy and all his neighbourhood friends have reconnected...life is good. We are one week away from the boy's big birthday...he's super excited...the party is on Saturday and I think I'm mostly prepared.
The next weekend after the boyfriend is taking off with some guys and going on a camping/fishing trip...so the girls and I decided we'd plan a camping trip of our own...no fishing will be going on...just a whole lot of drinking and hot tubbing lol. I've decided to pawn the boy off on my friend P's husband...he has to stay home with their 2 small children anway...so why not???
Randomness - you know you are getting old when the new summer students start at the law firm you work for...and you totally expect some good eye candy...BUT they look like little boys...not grown men...I swear these dudes likely don't even have to shave...baby faced men that they are...my guess is they are no older than 15...but I've been assured that they are in fact in their mid-20s...wow. It is not me that is getting too old...it's my friend...yep uh huh...I'm still just a young'un myself...don't believe me...well it's up to you to prove that I'm not!!!
The boy and all his neighbourhood friends have reconnected...life is good. We are one week away from the boy's big birthday...he's super excited...the party is on Saturday and I think I'm mostly prepared.
The next weekend after the boyfriend is taking off with some guys and going on a camping/fishing trip...so the girls and I decided we'd plan a camping trip of our own...no fishing will be going on...just a whole lot of drinking and hot tubbing lol. I've decided to pawn the boy off on my friend P's husband...he has to stay home with their 2 small children anway...so why not???
Randomness - you know you are getting old when the new summer students start at the law firm you work for...and you totally expect some good eye candy...BUT they look like little boys...not grown men...I swear these dudes likely don't even have to shave...baby faced men that they are...my guess is they are no older than 15...but I've been assured that they are in fact in their mid-20s...wow. It is not me that is getting too old...it's my friend...yep uh huh...I'm still just a young'un myself...don't believe me...well it's up to you to prove that I'm not!!!
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Girls night out...and an extra special award!
I was given this fantabulous award today by not only one of my bloggy friends, but two...how cool is that??? Lisa at onegirliegirl and Liz at Sugarplum Creations both felt I was worthy of this award...and I gotta say it really is an honour to be nominated by both of you! This award is called the "Splash" award and it was given to me (or my blog) for being "alluring, amusing, bewitching, impressive and inspiring".
Now that's alot to live up to! But I gladly accept. Thanks girls.
I am passing this "splash" award on to:
Twice as Nice
Yaya Stuff
Outnumbered 3 to 1
Sunshine and Rainbows
I am Awake
***it is 12:40 a.m. and I just got in from an impromptu girls night out with my two very best friends...we never plan ahead...it seems. P called up...said her husband was going out to play poker and me and E should come by for a drink...which turned into about 3 or 4 for me...so I'm having another while I sit here and blog...the boyfriend is passed out!!! LOL. I had to get him up to move him from my side of the bed...bed hog that he is. I hope you all had a great Friday night and have an even better weekend.
Friday, May 1, 2009
I know I'll love it...
Last night after the boy had gone to bed he called me back to his room and started describing to me in great detail the windchime he is making at school. The conversation stemmed from my friend P coming over (it drives me nuts that the boy hears someone come in and wants to be part of the action...but I guess that's only natural) and commenting on the wind chime I just hung the other day that my mother bought me when she went on a cruise last year...
Anyway, immediately P knew that the windchime the boy was describing (the one he was making) was likely for Mothers Day...but I thought "no way the boy is so good at keeping secrets"...UNTIL...I asked him when he'd get to bring his windchime home and I was met with this answer "awwwwwwww man!!!!"...I couldn't help but laugh. He quickly stumbled over his words "nevermind mom", "it's for you mom".
I guess he just got so caught up in telling me all about it and how cool it was that he forgot it was supposed to be a surprise for Mothers Day.
Anyway, immediately P knew that the windchime the boy was describing (the one he was making) was likely for Mothers Day...but I thought "no way the boy is so good at keeping secrets"...UNTIL...I asked him when he'd get to bring his windchime home and I was met with this answer "awwwwwwww man!!!!"...I couldn't help but laugh. He quickly stumbled over his words "nevermind mom", "it's for you mom".
I guess he just got so caught up in telling me all about it and how cool it was that he forgot it was supposed to be a surprise for Mothers Day.
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