Poppy Cat Palace

Been a long while!

2011-04-13T14:18:00.001-07:00

Gosh...I am not very good at this. It has been ages.

All is good...time sure does fly that is for sure. I am off on a vacation day today - B had a doctor's appointment and I had some unused time from last year eat up so I took that day off.
Nice in being the house during the day - a work day that is. Did not miss my drive into the office today.

Nothing really new to report. Still waiting on official word from the court house to tell me that I am officially free and clear. Got to be coming shortly I figure. The paper has only been sitting on the judges desk since the end of February!

Met an old work friend for dinner the other night. Had not seen her in a while so it was great to catch up. We worked together for 5 years. She has recently just returned for a vacation thru Thailand and love it. She is back to work only for a couple of weeks and then off to St. Petersburg - yup Russia for ten days to visit with the love of her live. He is working over there to help them get there IT resources all ready for teh next Olympics. Pretty neat gig. He has been then since September and will be for a total of four years. Every few months they meet in a new country. I believe after Russia, it will be Greece. Wow hey?

K is just back after a weekend with her Dad in Sask. It was her Grandmother's 75th b-day. She had a good time but I think missed Mom but she did enjoy all their snow out there.

K's knee is healing. Thank goodness. We are hoping for full clearance to resume sports again. She has been chomping at the bit but understands that you can't rush this type of injury.

Booked a trip to Vegas next month. Bellagio here I come. Looking forward to it. It was my Mom's 70th b-day this year so she and I are going for 4 days in May. We are seeing the show KA and Lion King. Awesome deals out there right now...this trip with tickets to KA (they came free) $500! Thank you Allegiant airlines!

Well that it is for now...gotta go get a little lady from school soon.

Prepping the bucket list for 2011

2011-01-23T22:52:00.000-08:00

I know I know...23 days have already gone in 2011 but did I ever say I was on time for anything?? haha.. maybe I should put that on my list to achieve this year?

I am going to create a list of things I want to accomplish this year. Don't know what they all are yet..but I have given my self a deadine to come up with at least 10. This way I at least have a chance as completing something every month...yeah we will see!

All else is good... except now I have to monitor my blood pressure at home...seems the meds were not doing enough so the dosage got upped a bit. Kids are good, cat is good..and I am good.

2010 The Year Wrap Up

2011-01-11T23:27:00.000-08:00

So 2010 was quite a year.... I decided I wanted to do a recap. Partially to remind me what I did but really just to see all that happened cuz it really was a year. I am excited as we get going on 2011 because this year is going to be MY Year!

Here we go:

Had my first ever MRI - yes once will be enough if I am lucky.
Had my first ever Mamogram. Whooo whoo I'm in the club.
Retained a lawyer for the first time in my life.
Had to have a tooth pulled.
My dad had a stroke.
A coworker backed into the side of my car.
Had a second Mammogram the ultrasound type
Filed a legal separation.
Bought a townhouse = now I have a mortgage of my very own.
Got a new cat. My little Doo.
Lots and lots of house painting = I am now a pro.
Have a t.v in my room.
No more car loan = she is all mine now.
Saw my first ever Cirque de Soliei - WOW.
White Caps Games
Went to Lady Gaga concert -love her!!
Went to Seattle and Las Vegas for a holiday.
Went to Great Wolf Lodge in WA - FUN
Transfered littlest to another elementary school.
Struggles with the teen.
Got shingles, high blood pressure pills and anemia.
Fun scrapbooking weekend away in October.
Justin Beiber concert FREE and box seats. Yes, I know a major score!
Canucks Hockey Game.
My buddy got cancer :-(
Third Mamo of the year.
More layoffs to deal with at work :-(
Learned how to fix things a man normally does around the house.
Learned how to play Mario Brothers on the Wii - yes, really.
Got a PVR - how did I survive before??
Put up the outside Christmas Lights - all on my own.
Got a white christmas tree for my room.. just cuz I could.
Got rear-ended = car to the repair shop for the second time this year.
First Christmas morning in 13 years with no kiddies - it was actually okay.

I am sure there is more to add to the list but frankly this looks like enough. On to 2011!

now what???

2010-11-04T21:02:00.000-07:00

I have shingles :-( That is all I can say. Pain like you won't believe and guess where???? my eye lid.

Stress related of course and more meds.

When will it all end?

Meet my new friend

2010-07-25T12:42:00.000-07:00

Here is the best thing that has happended to my little family and he loves us like crazy. I miss the Love Cat dearly but I know that she is happy where she is. Not sure exactly how old Dusty is but guessing under two. Hard to believe that his previous owners left him with the trash and moved away. :-(

Well he has found himself a new forever home with us and his old life is forgotten. He has a home to roam in, made new friends in the complex and sleeps in a pink satin bed from build-a-bear (don't ask - he loves it) and is carried like a baby constantly. Has many toys to play with, food and water whenever he wants. Yep...he's a happy boy!

Paint + New Carpet = Happy Paige!

2010-07-25T12:28:00.000-07:00

Been very busy of late. My nails are covered in paint but it is worth it! Three rooms painted, carpeted and now on to the family room.. Ahh good thing I love the colour I have chosen. Gray all the way baby! It also pays to have a friend that works for a carpet company too :-)

HOT HOT HOT

2010-07-08T19:01:00.001-07:00

It says 35 degrees in my car and it is 7:00pm at night! ugh...... I might need to invest in a/c.

HAPPY POPPA'S DAY DAD!!

2010-06-20T20:14:00.000-07:00

Hope you are keeping cool in the hot hot weather there. Hey...could you please package some up and send my way? It seems summer has not yet arrived in Vancouver.

Wow...

2010-04-03T10:21:00.000-07:00

We had a crazy windstorm here late afternoon that dragged well into the night. Lost power once for a couple of hours and then we managed to get dinner done and then you could hear the transformer in the area pop and go. Well that is a sure sign that nothing is going to happen for many hours. I rounded up all the candles in the house and hoped that I could clear the dishwasher properly in the dark. Oh well, came back on around 11:30pm. I was a really noisey storm, the trees were bending in ways you don't normally see. In fact the sky was grey almost bright, not pitch black as you would think.

Oh the joys of living on the coast I guess. Well, the girls are off to cross border shop today.
See Ya!

Light?

2010-03-25T21:07:00.000-07:00

Yup...it is and it is at the end of my tunnel! Don't need the sunglasses yet but I will.
Can I say about friggin' time?????

ugghhhh more school to be missed!

2010-03-22T07:38:00.000-07:00

Can we just have a week where they both go to school for the full 5 days? Poor Brayden is sick again. I am hoping it does not develop into a chest infection. He sounds awful and with only 4 days to go till March break. Good Times Again!

Movie Night

2010-03-21T21:58:00.001-07:00

Funny! I think I was laughing harder then my kids
:-)

Busy

2010-03-20T22:25:00.000-07:00

Lots going on to report at a later date!

But happy to have tickets to:

Yippee! My favourite artisit is coming back to town. August 23! I be there! Can't wait. Tickets were literally sold out in minutes. Heck..I might need a date for this? :-)

Today was also a very important day. I can finally discard my bootlegged copy of New Moon for the real thing! Yep.....was off to Rogers Video bright and early to pick up my official copy of sigh sigh New Moon. Already watched it tonight too!

Olympic Photos

2010-02-08T00:52:00.000-08:00

Just back from rainy soccer this morning...

2010-02-07T11:34:00.000-08:00

and headed downtown for the rest of the day. Bringing my camera as I want to get some shots of the pre-Olympic excitement and all the changes downtown.
Hope to get something posted later today.

P.

What a talented friend I have

2010-02-05T20:50:00.000-08:00

Check out what my buddy Chriss (here is a link to her blog. Just check how talented this girl really is!)has made for my employer. Neat eh? This is going to go in our employee lunchroom so the staff will see how we are doing to achieiving our new store openings for this year. We have cute little pony beads that will go in it as we open the stores. You can see we have had to try it all out. Everyone wants to be the one that adds the beads so I see excitement coming when we open a new store!

Pre-Olympic Fun

2010-02-05T20:40:00.000-08:00

So I am chair of our Social Committee at work and we decided drum up some Olympic spirit as we lead up to the opening ceremonies.
Everyday we have some fun little contest and here is what we have done so far:

Quatchi - was a prize to a quick trivia question

Our Olympic Cupcakes from Safeway and today we did a guess how many olympic jellybeans were in the container. 936 to be exact by the way.

Oh yes, we also gave everyone in the office on our first day of activities an Olympic Water glass that are being sold thru Petro Canada.

Needless to say everyone in the office is quite excited about the whole thing and look forward to my daily event emails.

ughhh what a long day!

2010-01-20T21:40:00.000-08:00

Trapped on old Annacis Island tonight. Due to this horrible accident, it shut down the Alex Fraser Bridge in both directions. Got to leave the office at 7:50pm and it was still backed up out front out our building. I managed to sneak the back way off the Island. So glad not many people know that route or I probably would still be out there fighting to get home. People were out of their cars and milling around and you could hear the helicopters in the sky. Very sad for sure.

:-(

Soccer Weekend

2010-01-17T23:03:00.000-08:00

It was a soccer weekend for us. Yesterday Brayden played and it was sunny ( a major treat) but cool. Sorry no photos...my battery died! Today Kaylin played and I froze! She was in goal for the first half and did an awesome job. Our team won 4-2.

Another great save!

Congrats on a great job from Coach Derek!.

The Week

2010-01-15T23:02:00.000-08:00

Nothing terribly exciting this week went on. Just a busy one. Lots of rain - I mean crazy rain. My drive to work the last couple of days have been slow due to huge puddles. Oh well...finally saw some sun this afternoon and that is enough to totally forgive all the rain that came. Hoping the weather this weekend will at least hold out for the kids soccer games. We are travelling for both...Surrey/North Delta for one and New Westminter for the other. Crossing fingers.,

Had my MRI on Wednesday morning. Was at the hospital bright and early at 7:55am and did not have to wait long. The MRI tech was really great, but I did get worried when he kept asking questions like "are you afraid of confined spaces? are you claustrobphic? etc. I finally told him...no more talking about it..lets just get it rolling :-) Oh it was confined alright. The test took about 20 minutes and it seriously was like a jack hammer was be operated beside your ears. Crazy, becuase there is nothing wrong there - just take the photos of the back and I will be good to go! :-) Oh well, in the last 8 weeks, I figure that I have had enough radiation and whatever else is in those scans that I should be glowing! So, hopefully I will hear that the bulge is shrinking? Can only hope. And at the request of my Neurosurgeon, trying to drink the extra water and lose my stress! Haha..that should be fun.

Speaking of stress...how would you feel if your child called you on a dark and pouring rain night from a park where he was supposed to have a soccer practice. Turns out that was earlier cancelled. He is asking if he could get a ride home because he had just been dropped off and turns out no one from his team was there??? Right...because it was cancelled remember?. Normally one makes sure before leaving a child in a park that all is good. Oh yes, did I mention that you are not in the area to pick him up in short minutes and he is borrowing someones cell phone at the park to call you? Yup...welcome to my world.

Here are a couple of recent pictures of my silly girl and oh yes, got the nails done today. You know me, I like designs. See what I have today.

And that is about it for now. All my news and gossip. So we will see what comes next!

Paige.

Stuff

2010-01-11T21:58:00.000-08:00

Lets' see... what is new.
Saw Avatar last night in 3D and WOW.

That is really all that has to be said.

I have a MRI appointment on Wednesday. Again.....only had to wait 2 weeks for this appointment. Managed to squeeze in on someone's cancellation. Thankyou very much! So, off to have a better look at my problem disk. Hopefully it has shrunk some. The numbness is still around but the pain is minimal. So that is good.

That's about it. Hope all is good with you.

New Year = New Laws!

2010-01-06T21:38:00.000-08:00

So......just got my bluetooth - thankyou to my employer and I love it. Wow....should have gotten one alot earlier....so nice to be handsfree!!!

It may be bootlegged....

2010-01-04T21:57:00.000-08:00

but I don't care. I have a coworker who surprised me with a copy of New Moon! Whoo Hoo.......I am soo happy. Now I can watch whenever I want and can drool over Jacob

I know, I know..he is like sixteen isn't he? Oh well...who cares...he cleaned up great for this movie.

He almost converted me to

Especially when he and Bella almost kissed.

I was caught up in the moment - must have been because....

ahhhhhh I am an Edward girl! and now I can drool over him in New Moon as much as I want to.

2010-01-02T22:14:00.000-08:00

I am not going to write a big long story of how the year went. This one for me was full of ups and downs. More downs then anything so I for one could not wait to see 2009 hit the road. I am looking forward to 2010 and the changes that it is going to bring.

I have spent so much time worrying about others; thinking I can change things when things can't be changed; putting out fires; worrying about peoples perceptions; can't do it anymore. I am tired and it is me time. This is my year and those most important to me. To those that don't agree, I really don't care. I could think of another choice word to add to that but I won't. I am busy now...and I got things to do.

Happy New Year to You and May it be your Best Year Yet.

Here are some photos of Christmas.

A New Look to Start the Year Off

2010-01-02T22:12:00.000-08:00

Thought I would change up the background....wish that dog was a cat but oh well.
For now it will do. No offence Poppy!

Tomorrow...

2009-12-20T21:39:00.001-08:00

Well the big day is tomorrow....actually at 11:ooam. Hopefully I won't have to wait to long, though I will pack a book just in case.

Been a while...but here is a quick look at the last couple of months

2009-12-17T00:30:00.000-08:00

Back is much better....hit rock bottom while away in Toronto and it has progressively been getting better. Finally had a CT scan which revealed a bulging disk apparently a fairly big size. So that being said, I am off to a Neurosurgeon on the December 21 so see what he thinks is my next step. I am just so happy to be somewhat pain free, however the numbness in my heel and toes does not help and causes the silly limp I have adopted. Oh well...we will see soon enough. We googled this neuorsurgeon at work and he gets really wonderful reviews. Sounds like a regular McDreamy. Now we can only hope he is and single! :-)

The kids soccer games have been limited due to the weather but we have managed a few games.

Kaylin's brithday party was last weekend and we had Mike's Critters come in and then she had a sleepover. All went well and she had a great time. Hard to believe that my girl is going to be 8 on Saturday.

Got a promotion at work...now a Manager of much more responsibility and work...ugh...will I ever get it all done?

Took the kids to the Santa Train - always fun. Boy was it cold! The lights were great and it was a fun time.

Yesterday was Kaylin's christmas concert at school. I tried to post a video but it did not work out. Oh well, she and her class did great.

Today we had a Gingerbread contest at work (yes, I do work I swear!) I teamed up with a member of our HR group and I am posting a photo. Came in 4th! It was fun and there was lots of participants.

Was off to the Canuck game tonight..courtesty of my employer. We have great season tickets and it is always a treat getting to go. Could not afford it otherwise. This time Brayden and I went and my co-worker and her son. They are pretty much the same age and always enjoying getting together. It was a good game even though the Canucks lost.

Poppy remains perfect always.

Enjoy the photos!

Update

2009-10-22T21:10:00.000-07:00

Things are good. Hetic right now but okay. The back is still pretty much the same, however the new pain and nerve meds are helping. I have had two great days in a row so I am crossing the fingers.

Getting ready for Scrapbooking Camp!!! Can't wait. Really looking forward to getting away and gettign creative for a while. Just finished Kaylin's goodies to give out to the class. I am quite pleased as how they turned out. Quick and simple is my motto right now!

I am home on Sunday afternoon and then head out to Toronto for 5 days. For work and a couple of vacation days. I am really looking forward to the vacation days. I need the break to hopefully de-stress.

That is my update! Will post pictures upon my return.

P.

The latest.

2009-10-08T22:39:00.000-07:00

It has been quite a week and it is only Thursday night. I realized something thru this whole back problem that when you are in pain, it can just take over. I mean really take over. Everything! Patience? Forget about that...that just doesn't exist.

So, after I went to my physio on Monday she wrote me a note to explain to the doctor that some nerve meds might help calm down my poor leg. Go to the walk in clinic she tells me and give the my note. Seemed easy enough. Dropped my little one at school and arrive promptly at the opening of the clinic. Well I guess I was not prompt enought becuase I have about 6 people ahead of me. Did I mention yet that I have been going to this clinic for at least 13 years.? I am still waiting for them to paint it, and change the magazines in the waiting room etc and I am not sure if the fish tank has ever been cleaned.

In our world of the H1N1 crisis, do you think there was hand sanitizer anywhere to be seen? Nope NOTHING! It wasn't even in the patients room. I tell ya, I was getting grossed out by the minute. I refused to sit. I figure if I wasn't sick then, I was gonna get something after visiting this place. Did I mention that i am now sniffling??? Oh well, back to the visit. I wait 55mins to be seen and finally see the Doctor. Again, keep in mind, I have been coming to him for 13 years. So I told him my tale of woe and you think I was an addict asking for a fix. He did not even have the decency to read my note from my phsyio yet instead lectured me that they are trying to mask the problem with pills. Yep...you can imagine what I am thinking as he goes off on this little tirade. I am now thinking how I have wasted all this time, in this gross environment. He writes me a prescription for T3's. I tell that I am tired of being in pain and the tears start arrive. I don't want a prescription for those (heck I already have them at home) so I take my note and hit the door. Walked out...and not looking back. I will not step foot in that place again and neither will my children.

So.. to continue on, I went to my GP this afternoon and got the nerve medicince and a different type of pain killer. A CT scan has been ordered and I am told that this is a long time for recovery. Great just what I want to hear :-( I just want to see the light or at least some at the end of the tunnel. Hopefully it is coming soon.

Pain

2009-10-01T22:03:00.000-07:00

Seems to be my first, middle and last name. Driving to work has become a problem. I can manage the first 20 mintues or so and after that the pain starts in and it is frankly unbelievable. I swear it is like a continual contraction in my calf. Oh well....hopefully between my physio and chiropractor they can find me some relief. They tell me it is not a bulging disk - thank you to my doctor who has no clue and problem is likely some type of nerve entrapment behind my knee which is causing me all this grief.

Between heat and ice packs, I am on a continual stream of pain killers and doing my best not to look loaded at work!! Ah..the joys of getting older.

Aside from this...all is well.

Hmmm maybe not......

2009-09-21T23:05:00.001-07:00

$4800 for spinal decompression....looks like I will be sticking to ice and pain killers till I heal up. :-(

Ugh....well I guess that's why private = expensive!

The Bulging Disk

2009-09-20T23:59:00.000-07:00

L5 to be exact...this is my problem child, the source of my friggin' pain and numbness all summer. Now how to treat is the issue. I am thinking Spinal Decompression. Sounds worse than it is. So..this is my next focus. I can only imagine how much this is gonna cost. Hopefully medical will cover it!

And so it all begins..........

2009-09-09T21:51:00.000-07:00

The first day back to school always marks the beginning the the busy season and oh, I should say expensive season. Clothes, shoes, athletic equipment, sign up fees, school fees, it is endless. I should just leave blank cheques everywhere I go! Well we are back at it. Skating x2 a week, soccer x 2 practices a week, soccer games - 1X each Saturday and Sunday, Guitar lessons on Thursday and I am sure I am forgetting something!

Oh well.....as long as they are enjoying it. Here is the first day of school photo on the lawn. Kaylin is under the weather and it was all I could do to get a shot. (we were late and I left it to the last minute :-( Poor one of her but look at my boy. He looks like he belongs in high school! He was so excited to wear his new clothes. Don't ask what happened to this new shirt. You can probably guess, it involves a dog and the result is a hole and He still wants to wear it. Boys! Sheesh!

An Unexpected Surprise!

2009-09-01T21:43:00.000-07:00

I got such a surprise today at work. A coworker of mine has a purse that I have literally drooled over for probably a year now. When she left our company to be a Stay At Home Mom, I remember thinking how I would miss her and her purse! Well she did not stay off long becuase before you know it she was back working part-time on a contract for us.

She is such a sweet person and has turned out to be such a good friend. She is one of these girls who would look great wearing a burlap bag and of course has the personality of a saint and did I mention she married a doctor? Not just any doctor...one that specializes in elder care! See I told told you a saint!!!!

Well she surprised me today and calls me on the phone...said...have you gone to lunch yet? I said no..thinking she wanted to have lunch or something. She said I need to see you so I'll be right up. Figuring it was an employee issue...I waited for her to pop up. Well no employee issue...she surprised me with a purse just like hers!

I was stunned! She told me that she had her sister bring it from Hong Kong and now we are purse buddies! I could not believe it. You can tell I love this friggin' purse. Knock off and all!

It was just such a sweet and unexpected surprise. It just made my whole summer!

Dog Sitting - Corgi Style!

2009-08-31T21:56:00.001-07:00

Say hello to Munkee, my co-workers little Corgi. He is a nice little fellow but put it this way...in this house the Cat rules and poor little Munkee was not a welcome guest to the old Love Cat.

Kids had a blast and I think Munkee did too.

The office picnic

2009-08-31T21:42:00.000-07:00

Office Work Picnic on Friday was fun, but I really thought we should have kids there considering the activities that were provided.... see below. The Caricuture Artist was the best part. I am also posting a picture he did of myself and my two HR co-workers.

Annual HR Department BBQ

2009-08-18T22:11:00.000-07:00

So Saturday (before the tooth pain hit!) was our department's annual BBQ. This year it was at Diane's (my most lovely boss) new cabin in Point Roberts, WA. So passports in hand..we all treked down with our families. The dogs, Munkey (the corgi) and Lucky of course were a huge hit with my kids and all day I was subjected to questioning as to why I am depriving my kids of a dog. :-) It really was a fun day, with wonderful weather. Here are some photos!

ugghhhh

2009-08-18T22:03:00.000-07:00

Been blindsided by a Root Canal. Of course these things never give you any notice..they just appear! and....they only rear their ugly head over the weekend so no sleep no matter how many T-3's I took. Saw the dentist today and he has drained my tooth and put my on med's. Get this...can't have the actual root canal done until September 25th! Oh well...at least it will be painless as he tells me the tooth is now dead. Yeah okay then what is the cracking sound I have in it right now??? Must be the nerves dying.... GROSS!!!!!

Stuff

2009-08-14T23:14:00.000-07:00

Nothing like ending a long week by going to your favourite store and of course a Pedicure!

Here are some of my favourite things - must haves which can be purchased at Sephora!!

Oh, and here is a recent photo of me and the Bro.

Back

2009-08-14T22:45:00.000-07:00

Back from vacation. Certainly not long enough but...well you have to return at some point. It was great seeing everyone and I am homesick. It passes like everytime I go home to visit.

The kids had a blast and the weather was good too. Here are some shots from the trip.

And the house....on the lake.....guess whose? Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell. Pretty nice cottage and boat house hey?

Dreaming of a cooler climate!

2009-07-30T22:17:00.000-07:00

Packing tonight! Heading East where the temps are lower and much more bearable! Sorry to say won't be missing this heat.

I feel like there is a heater continually blowing hot air in my face! Yuck!!! I think I am gonna have to jump in the pool again just before bed to cool down.

Count'in down the days till New Moon. I think I will read the book again while I am away. :-) Ahh...... just look at him ------------->

ughhhhhhhhhhhhh

2009-07-28T23:01:00.001-07:00

It is just too damn hot to type..... I am going to sit in the pool for the second time tonight. It literally feels like bath water.!

Monday Stuff

2009-07-27T23:25:00.000-07:00

It is too smokin' hot out! Yikes...when will this heat wave end? I am patting my self on the back while saying thank you for purchasing that pool three summers ago. I was out in it at 10:00pm tonight and did it feel great. Ahhhhh the only thing missing was a nice pina colada to go along with it. Oh well..maybe tomorrow night.

Let's see what else is going on? Brayden has returned from a week away at camp looking taller and able to do a number of pushups?? Well they did say it was a Bootcamp theme! He now is on facebook and likes to email me. Oh how he is growing up!

Tomorrow I am back to physio. Got to get rid of this pain and numbness in the old sciatia. Was hoping it was all going to go away before my vacation but of course not! Oh well, stretches here I come! :-) That is it for today. Count down to vacation = 4 days!

Oh and just cuz it is hot out, here is a new photo of my husband! :-)

Ahhhh

2009-07-24T23:07:00.000-07:00

It is finally Friday and soon I will be on a countdown to my vacation. Need a break and a change of scenery!

Well... look to the right.... this made my day. New trailers of the New Moon movie!

Nothing new to report

2009-07-15T22:57:00.000-07:00

Same old same old over here. Nothing really new to report.

Looking forward to getting on that plane and heading East! Can't wait to get my hands on Luc. The kids are excited about Canada's Wonderland. Tickets are here..so they are ready to go. Kaylin is looking forward to fishing with her Grandpa.

Sad

2009-07-07T20:06:00.001-07:00

I have been watching Michael Jackson's funeral. Wow....this must have been what it was like for our parents when Elvis died. The icon of that era.

The world really did not know him except for all the weird and head shaking stuff that was reported by the media. But looking at those kids today and hearing his daughter speak was enough to make me cry. Those poor kids. Yes, what a life they have already lived. Servants, huge mansions, the travel, and really anything that money can buy. But, in the end, thier dad is gone and they are left behind missing him.

I can't imagine what his life really was like. Never having any privacy, hounded constantly by people always wanting something. Privacy the one thing that he could not ever buy..sad. We will never really know the truth about all those allegations. The ones that he was acquitted for but once labelled... people never forget.

Thanks for all the music Michael and giving everyone the chance to make memories with all of it. For me his moon walk stands out . My family would act crazy in our kitchen trying to re-create. Such silliness but what laughs we had.

Fun with Playdough

2009-05-24T16:11:00.000-07:00

Just got back from my girlfriend's birthday party for her twins. Hard to believe those babies are 2 years old now! So sweet...it was a nice afternoon.

Check out the cute stuff my girl made for me from her new pink playdough.

Sigh Sigh Sigh

2009-05-20T23:07:00.001-07:00

Is it November yet?

We all know who the winner really is.....

2009-05-20T22:37:00.000-07:00

I mean come on...... Kris was good and oh so humble but lets be honest ADAM LAMBERT ROCKS!!!!!!

oh and to the author who wrote Twilight.........

2009-04-23T21:40:00.000-07:00

Thank You!

Loved the movie, read the book and now onto the second book (New Moon) which is causing me an extreme lack of sleep on my part but guess what? I DON'T CARE!!.... those words, the story lines haunt me. It is like you just can't get enough.

Ahhhhh sigh sigh sigh.... where is my Edward Cullen?

Ughhhh...so much where to begin?

2009-04-23T21:28:00.000-07:00

Yikes, long time no see. Been busy busy with kids and work. What else is new right?

Kaylin's baseball is going really well. She hit her first home run the other night so that was pretty thrilling for her. She passed her swimming level so off to a new level and is she excited about that. You see she is going to be a lifeguard for her summer job when she gets older. (yippee..career plans already!)

Last weekend Kaylin and I went to a Scrapbooking Class together...very exciting and they even entertained us with a visit from Mike's Critters. Yep...right up Kaylin's alley. She just loves that kind of stuff... me....not really. But, gotta suck it up for the girl. Check out the snake picture. There is just no way. I barely could get close enough to get the picture. It is a Rainbow Boa Constrictor by the way.

My brother came to town on Sunday night and has been with us for a bit but really on the road all around our lovely province. Unfortunately he heads home on Saturday so this really was not much of a visit but that is okay...I get about 10 days with him and his family this August so I can wait to really visit until then.

Work has been busy. We lost a couple of great coworkers to other endeavours in the last 10 days so I will really miss them. They made coming to work wonderful and full of a lot of laughter. Oh well...they made great choices for themselves but it is still hard to see them go.

A new season = a new sport for Kaylin

2009-04-10T11:23:00.000-07:00

So it is now Spring and with spring comes Softball in BC. Guess who is now playing? Yep and loving it more than soccer she says. She better considering we are in an Easter Tournament ALL weekend :-)

Paige's Day

2009-03-06T21:26:00.000-08:00

It was a pretty good day today....it was a co-workers birthday so we took her to Moxies for lunch. Nice place with lots of choices on the menu. Wish we had one around here - oh well.

Work was good...been an easy week as most of the exec's were off at convention in Cancun. Only 6 people on my floor were left...hmmm makes ya kind of wonder how top heavy our organization is when there is so few employees left to "run the show". Oh well...that was my vacation I guess with them all away...yikes, I will be back to crazy starting Monday morning.

Just returned from the mall with my main guy. He very nicely asked me for some new clothes and since he NEVER asks, I have absolutely no problems taking him clothes shopping. Pretty easy considering he only wants to go to one store... West 49th and there we purchased 5 new skating boarding t-shirts and 1 expensive zip up hoody. Oh well..he does look good in it. $170 later. Now if I could only get him to do up those damn shoe laces :-)

Can only keep him in the mall for so long but I did manage to get a quick visit to the Clinique counter. Needed some more yellow lotion and ooops did spot a new lip gloss that I just had to have.

There you have it...my day today!

We have returned!

2009-02-13T22:40:00.001-08:00

It was great and nice to get away. Here are some shots!

Skating Fun

2008-12-30T22:10:00.000-08:00

We all tied on the skates tonight and went to our arena for the public skate night. Lots of fun!

Yum

2008-12-28T23:56:00.000-08:00

Guess who got a new cookbook for Christmas? Yep..Christmas Elf aka my sistah- in- law Lisa. Barefoot Contessa is her favourite and I think she believes I need to be a better cook. So....here is the first of hopefully some new favourites.

The book is Back to Basics by Ina Garten, the one and only Barefoot Contessa. Go to page 128 - Baked Shrimp Scampi.

Yep..it was good!

The Ears Have Been Pierced!

2008-12-21T00:29:00.000-08:00

I can't believe it but I broke down and said yes to the whole ear piercing thing. She kept telling me that she was ready and could do it. I have always told her that she had to be 12 and then we would go and get it done. Well...nope, I thought to celebrate her 7th..we will go to the mall and check it all out. Needless to say, she jumped in the chair and told the ladies she was ready. As I expected...no hesitation, no crying nothing. It was just Mom, telling her that she could change her mind no worries if she was not ready...well that didn't happen and as expected it was Mom who got misty.

My Girl is 7!

2008-12-21T00:24:00.001-08:00

My girl is now 7....yikes it seems so much older than to say she is 6. Here she is on her special day.

Cookie Exchange - Working Mom Style!

2008-12-17T22:46:00.000-08:00

It's our little secret wink wink.........think anyone will know?

:-)

A Birthday Party

2008-12-07T22:21:00.000-08:00

The day is done! She is fast asleep and I am relishing the quiet.

Kaylin's party went off without a hitch and she was happy! Fun times, all her friends, cupcakes pizza & pop, presents too. What more can I birthday girl ask for?

The Love Cat

2008-11-24T21:44:00.000-08:00

Time for some photos of the Love Cat. Look at our baby.... isn't she just perfect?

The New Do's

2008-11-23T21:55:00.001-08:00

Both kids have had "clean ups". They were long over due at the hairdresser oops, pardon me... barber too. Here are the results!

A little hello

2008-11-19T22:12:00.000-08:00

All is good - I am just tired. Work is catching up with me I guess. Get more sleep is what I am telling myself - yep I should.

I had someone at work tell me that they have put up the Christmas Tree. Yep..lights and all. she has two little ones and all I can think is...you won't do that next year. Those kids will drive you nuts asking when the big day is! The vacation time is approaching...I can feel it. I need it!

Halloween Update

2008-11-03T23:11:00.000-08:00

Here are some photos of the day. I won 3rd place in our Halloween Costume Contest at work. Seems I suit the Rocker Chick look. Hey..I 'll take the prize - a gift card to White Spot. Kaylin loves it there so she was thrilled! Me on the other hand got tired of people telling me that I should keep this look and get my hair done like that permanently...ummm NOT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Here is a photo of me and some work friends all gussied up! And..yes the old Mr. Lube mascot from days gone by.

The rain held off and the kids got to get out and trick or treat with there very bestest buds so needless to say they were happy. All in all a good night!

2 days till Halloween

2008-10-29T22:13:00.000-07:00

Working on my costume for work. Thought I would go as Goth Girl this year. A far cry from my Tacky Tourist from last year!

Searching for Pumpkins at Westham Island

2008-10-26T20:17:00.000-07:00

A day downtown

2008-10-19T22:17:00.000-07:00

Kaylin and I headed downtown on Saturday. It was a clear and cool afternoon and we decided to go and see the Stanley Park Ghost Train. Great fun it was just the two of us. Check out some snaps.

My girl!

2008-10-12T22:52:00.000-07:00

I walk into the kitchen the other day and find this...... that's my girl! Poor Brayden - Just putting up with it all!

We did our best!

2008-10-12T22:44:00.000-07:00

It really was a warm October Sunday here in Vancouver. The weather was perfect for the boys to be out playing. The team we played was just too much for us and we lost 5-0. We did our best and this was probably one of Brayden's best games ever. They were just a really strong team and fast!

The kids had fun and were happy when the final whistle finally blew. The boys looked so tired. Brayden ended up sitting out the last 10 mins of the game due to an ankle injury and we have on ice now. Good thing they are not playing tomorrow. He'll need a couple of days to recover.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL!

We've made it to the Semi-Finals!

2008-10-12T11:08:00.000-07:00

It has been an exciting Thanksgiving Tournament for Brayden. The team has played amazing and frankly my photos are awful. The games have been thrilling and nail-biting so for that, this is all you get. Maybe later today, something else will turn out. Mind you...look close - that is Brayden heading the ball!

Wish the Socca Warriors luck, because this afternoon we are playing for a chance to play in the finals tomorrow morning.

What's the Recipe for Your Personality?

2008-10-11T23:03:00.000-07:00

The Recipe For Paige

3 parts Uniqueness

2 parts Poise

1 part Delight

Splash of Class

Sip slowly on the beach

What's the Recipe for Your Personality?

Looking for Crabs!

2008-09-27T23:46:00.000-07:00

Today we were off crabbing with friends at Belcarra Park. Didn't get to keep anything as they were a little too small but we all had lots of fun!

Maplewood Farms

2008-09-14T21:28:00.001-07:00

Maplewood Farms is the perfect place to be on a sunny Sunday afternoon. Not to crowded which was great. Kaylin and I went to hang out with the farm animals. She had been asking for a while to go to a farm so off we went.

It is just such a cute little farm tucked away in a residential area. I know hard to believe but it is. No commericalism either, just you and the animals. It is so clean to and the animals seem so happy to be there which is great. You can tell that they are looked ater well.

Here are some photos of the day.

The Love Cat

2008-09-03T22:03:00.001-07:00

Thought it was about time for another Poppy post. Loving that cat (as usual). Now with Fall upon us..the snuggles start up again. Whoo Hoo.... Miss Poppy!

A repeat photo but I like this one..heck I like all photos of Poppy. This one is a fave though!

2 Kids = 2 Schools!

2008-09-02T22:10:00.000-07:00

They are back! Whoo Hoo... no really they were looking forward to it. They had a great summer, full of adventures but ready to see their friends again.

Brayden had troubles sleeping last night. Off to middle school (Grade 6) which means a locker, cafeteria, shop and cooking class. Yep.. found it hard to sleep. Just too excited. Oh..how I hope the honeymoon stays for the next 3 years!

Kaylin was just plain excited to see all her friends in Grade 2 and hopes to get her favourite teacher again.

Here they are this morning...same spot as every year!

HR BBQ

2008-08-26T06:50:00.001-07:00

Our department got together in sunny Twassessen over the weekend for a BBQ at our fearless HR leader, Diane's house. It was the only nice day of the weekend so we lucked out.

From left to right: Diane, Me, Lucy, Jenn and Cathy

Lunch Review

2008-08-21T21:23:00.000-07:00

Okay really in just one word lunch was really just "yum"

I had this :
"porcini mushroom ravioli braised king oyster sautéed spinach brown butter vinaigrette"

Can I just tell you how good it looked and tasted? I could eat more of it now!

ooh...yeah we shared dessert too :-)
"warm chocolate soufflé pistachio ice cream chocolate sauce" double yum!

It was so nice to be downtown, the sun was shining, sitting in a beautiful restaurant in a lovely hotel during the work day.

Ok now shake head quickly and insert reality as I drive back to work on Poo Island! Ahhh it was nice while it lasted.

Going Out For Lunch

2008-08-20T21:22:00.000-07:00

So tomorrow I am being taken to lunch here. What do you think? Very chi chi don't you think?
Going with a favourite employment agency of mine that I have done lots of business with over the years. We like to get together every once in a while. Should be fun.

Block Party Fun!

2008-08-17T20:38:00.000-07:00

Today was out street's 1st ever block party and judging by the turnout, it won't be our last.

We had 2 fire trucks come and they enterained the kids and the police did as well. The biggest hit had to be the dunk tank. It was another smokin' hot day and the tank provided lots of laughs and cooling. In total we had about 80 people turn out. A reporter from the local newspaper came by and even took a group photo which may be used in our community calendar for next year! The reporter climbed to the top of the firetruck ladder to take the shot.

We had a bbq, face painting, and lots of kids activities and games. Truly a fun day!

Here are some shots of the day!

Happy Birthday Poppy!

2008-08-15T22:32:00.000-07:00

Poppy "aka Love Cat, Pippy, Shaanibbles, or Pip" turned 5 today! Our special girl celebrated with a big can of tuna and lots of birthday love!

Even the kids blew out the candles on her cake. The guest of honor was no where to be found. She was probably still looking to stay cool in this hot hot hot weather. But she is in now, tummy full and snuggled away for the night!

We love ya Pop!

Tomorrow is a special day for us!

2008-08-14T23:02:00.000-07:00

Can you guess what it might be?

My Little Precious....

2008-08-12T23:34:00.001-07:00

She is driving me nuts right now but she is all mine and I would not trade her for anything.

Hopefully this latest phase will soon pass and we will get back to the good old days! Crossing fingers as I type!

Say Hello to Brittany!

2008-08-06T23:51:00.000-07:00

Don't even ask me what kind of snake this is becuase I was only close enough to take a couple of photos and then out of there! Clinton thought this would was a good time to conquer my fear. Yeah right....notice no photo of him with that thing!

Brittany is a resident of Reptile World at Drumheller, AB.

Nice Brittany, nice Brittany....don't choke my kids!

So you do think he missed me?

2008-08-04T19:35:00.000-07:00

So my boy is home after a week in Weyburn, Sask. Think he missed his Mom?

Doesn't look like it!

2 sets of tired feet and 46 bobby pins later!

2008-08-03T00:00:00.000-07:00

Ahhhhh feels good to be home. The wedding was perfect. The sun arrived and it really was a lovely day.

Janice was a beautiful bride and her dress was goregous! The twins looked darling as they came down the isle in their little red wagon. So much love in the air.

Gosh, I love Granville Island. The hustle and bustle of it all, so much to offer and of course..who cannot have an ice cream cone on a summery day? Well..Kaylin did - 3 scoops in a waffle cone and snarfed it all down! While we were waiting for the reception to start we had a chance to walk around and take a peek at everything. It is so pretty looking at the boats on the water and smell the sea air.

Here are some shots from the day! Ooh and I just have to say that I loved Kaylins top...chunky jewels and all! Gotta love Winners hey?

Off to the Chapel for a Wedding!

2008-08-02T10:01:00.000-07:00

Today is the day my good friend gets married! So Kaylin and I are off this morning to get "prettied"up!

Crossing fingers for the weather to warm up a bit. The wedding is at Granville Island later this afternoon so I will have some photos to share soon.

P.

Fields of Canola - Drumheller, AB

2008-07-28T22:31:00.000-07:00

Off Diggin' for Dino's

2008-07-21T23:41:00.000-07:00

See ya in about a week....I'm off to Drumheller...searching for Dino's!

My Guy is Back!

2008-07-20T22:14:00.000-07:00

Sleeping much better now that all my chicks are in the hen house!

7 days at camp is much to long for this mom :-(

I know I know...I just miss him even though I know he is having so much fun.

Air Mattress + Pool = FUN!

2008-07-20T19:56:00.000-07:00

The kids are definitely having a blast. The neighour kids brought over a air mattress and threw it into our pool. The rest is history. I could barely hear myself think with all of the shreks of laughter and the splashes of water.

Bridal Shower

2008-07-19T21:00:00.000-07:00

That's where I was this fine day! Fun time was had by all the ladies. It was my first shower in about 14 years. Yep...I believe mine was the last one I attended oops..nope I did not have one.

:-) I had a stag instead and a male stripper (I knew you would like that Lujza !!!! )

I didn't really know what to expect. Headed down to one of the Bridesmaid's apartment in downtown Vancouver. Lovely building by the way. I was quite jealous for a minute of the DINK syndrome. Quickly passed that's for sure! (wink)

Lots of ladies and a happy bride to be. We played games..none of which I won ! :-( You know me..I am a competitive girl!

Here are a couple of shots. Janice, the bride to be, I have known yikes for about 10 years. She babysat Brayden for me.

OMG...I just realized......I am now completely old. I am now going to friends kids weddings!!!!!!!!!

My Daily Grind

2008-07-17T21:01:00.000-07:00

Thought I would post a photo of my commute to work these days. Not to bad - only about an hour as I am taking a new route becuase of the kids Day Camp.

Here is a photo coming home over the Port Mann Bridge. Always nice to take a minute and appreciate those mountains in the background!

It's that time of year again.... CAMP!

2008-07-14T21:38:00.001-07:00

He is off to 7 days of fun in the sun, hanging with his best buddy and away from the rountine of his parents. Yep..he is at camp again. Anvil Island for another visit. He was so excited to go.

Here is a shot of him and his buddy just before the boat took them to their island fun and away from his emotional mother who is missing him like crazy!!

Things come in three's right?

2008-07-05T21:50:00.000-07:00

Well it better stop....my girl is at her third and I don't care to see what the 4th could be!

Poor Kaylin:

Crutches - The badly sprained ankle. Thank you Mr. Trampoline!
Slap Cheek aka Fifth Disease - Thank you to the classmate who brought that to class.
Flu - I don't know who to thank but it better leave as quick as it got here!

It is summer...can she not enjoy it?

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CANADA!

2008-07-01T22:46:00.000-07:00

Well the Sinclair Family celebrated your birthday by enjoying our continuing hot weather, swimming in our pool, BBQing and have a Dilly Bar for dessert!

ROASTING!!!!!

2008-06-29T21:20:00.000-07:00

There are no other words to describe how uncomfortably hot is here in Poco!

Hate to complain considering all we usually get is rain and really had not see the sun in weeks. But, come on this is crazy. Perfectly sunny weekend but highs of 31 !

Find me some airconditioning!!!

My Grade 5 Graduate!

2008-06-24T22:08:00.000-07:00

Here is my grad! Onwards now to middle school.

Today was the schools annual pancake breakfast for the graduating grade 5's and a small ceremony after. Here Brayden is being congratulated by our awesome principal and his teacher is just beside him looking on. Many thanks to my favourite buddy Lujza for taking these shots for me today!

Happy Father's Day Dad!

2008-06-15T23:53:00.000-07:00

I know we only just chatted on the phone this evening, but here is my card that is in the mail to you!
Act surprised when you get it and yes, I did make it myself!!! :-)

Lazer Tag Birthday Party

2008-06-14T11:35:00.001-07:00

So we held Brayden's belated party last weekend at Planet Lazer. We had 10 kids and they had a blast. Check out how sweaty they all look! Pizza, chips, pop and an ice cream cake. Who can ask for more? He had lots of fun with all his friends and Kaylin even got in on the action as well.

Lip Smackin' Good!

2008-06-14T11:32:00.000-07:00