NorthShore

Well, the gymnastics competition went ok down in Vancouver. It was definitely fun to go to a meet elsewhere and compete against different kids. It is also nice for the parents to get away from the gym and socialize in a different atmosphere ...(read: hotel room/cocktails)

Anyways...since I still cannot get into my laptop to download the photos off of my camera, here are some that I bought...

These photos were taken during Noah's Floor Routine...what they don't show is that about 2/3 of the way through she had a brain freeze and forgot where she was and froze...it was so hard to watch her struggle. On her last tumbling line she was just bawling and the tears were flowing but she pushed through and completed the rest of her routine quite nicely. But she was devastated and I felt bad...but it is her lesson to learn and better that it happen here than at an important meet...and I'm sure it will never, ever happen again!

On a happier note, we also managed to see my cousin Kandis and her two boys...so that was a treat! I love Vancouver...and I'd love to live there again too...but there are so many downsides...rain, traffic, rain, housing prices, rain......

Wednesday...

I'm finally back on again....but my laptop still refuses to properly connect to the Internet...so no, I have not been keeping up with my e-mails...sorry! In fact, all of my photos are on there too from the past two gym meets but I can't access them to upload them. I haven't been visiting any of my favorite websites as all of my login names and password on saved on the laptop connection. Oh vey! I have been trying to use DH's computer when I can but it drives him up the wall! I have this horrible (to him) habit of opening and leaving open lots and lots of windows! Hey...there is lots of interesting stuff going on out there and I just don't have time to sit and sift through it all in one sitting!

This past week has been a bit trying. The gym's lease is up in two months and there is less than a 1% commercial vacancy in the city. And since we need about 15,000 square feet...we are getting pretty desperate. The only places with enough space have politely declined our offer to lease. I guess they are afraid of the non-profit aspect...but we have money...and we need to spend it every year. I guess they just don't care that 1000's of little kids will be without a gym to train in......maybe it is time to call the media into this. Anyways...I am praying for a miracle.
Besides that there has been drama (as always) hanging off my back at the gym. As a people pleaser, sometimes I need to stop and remember that by bending over backwards to please one person, you are often putting your own needs and those of others behind you.
I sometimes think that people forget just how much time and energy it takes to run that gym and as a volunteer, I really don't need their crap thrown at me at every turn. Some days you just can't win anyway...and it doesn't matter what you say or do...you will get them blame for all things gone bad. Ahhhhhh...what a draining way to spend the days!

Today Noah went skiing with her school...I am sure that this is NOT a great idea but I have made her miss it the last two years due to gymnastics.
But for whatever reason...a lapse in my sanity, I guess...this year I agreed to let her go. So today they ski all day and they are supposed to go again on Friday morning, however we are flying to Vancouver for a gymnastics meet on Friday at 1pm...so I am thinking I will ask her to skip it that day....I'm sure she'd be so tired and probably have sore muscles and that isn't anyway to head into a meet that you want to win! If she gets injured today...I will scream. (I haven't had a phone call yet...so let's hope that is a good sign that all went well!)

Sometimes gymnastics takes precedence over so many other opportunities, but hey...why dedicate so much of your life training for something if you are not going to give 100%?
Even though Noah trains so much, we have always given other activities to try so that one day, if she leaves the sport of gymnastics, she will have other interest to fall back on. She has done lots of acting, singing, dance, guitar, cheerleading, swimming, rock climbing, diving, girl guides etc.....hopefully she will still end up a well-rounded girlie!

Vancouver should be fun this weekend. There are 11 girls competing from our gym plus their moms or dads and two coaches. I am hoping that we all pull some great routines and everyone at least gets a ribbon or medal on one event. It is so hard when almost everyone does fantastic and one or two leave disappointed.

Oh - BIG news...our house in Coventry sold! There are pictures on our realtors website....
http://www.landtradingcompany.com/Coventry-2007.html
That is a relief...and now onto the next one! We are currently working on a total reno of Anthony's parents old house in Dalhousie but still on the lookout for another sweet deal!

Our new business is going awesome...we have such a fantastic team and with an amazing product to share...what could be easier?

Well...I'd better run. I have laundry to do and packing to start, dinner to consider, Noah to pick up, cheerleading class to get her to, a meeting with our team and then volunteer for bingo!

I'm back!

Oh...I am so frustrated!
Our network of computers at home is shot! And my laptop is about to hit the wall. It has been over a month since this thing has worked or connected to the internet properly. I am ready to scream. It is a combination of Shaw, our Router, our Modem and the computers....What a PITA!
Jordan finally got me on-line tonight and I just downloaded over 1300 e-mails...so I'm sorry if you have e-mailed and I have not responded. I'll try and catch up when I can.

I feel so lost without my laptop...it has my whole LIFE on it!!!


I did take a peek at a few e-mails....and I got this one from my friend Jen.....

1. What time did you get up this morning? 7:10am
2. Diamonds or Pearls? Love diamonds!
3. What was the last film you saw at the cinema? The one with Will Smith...In pursuit of happiness
4. What is your favorite TV show? Desperate Housewives, Grey's Anatomy, Lost, The OC, Heroes...and most reality shows!
5. What did you have for breakfast? A Tim Horton's Tea (large double/double) and a Boston Pizza chocolate chip cookie! So bad!
6.What is your middle name? Diane Lynne
7. What is your favorite cuisine? Probably Italian
8. What foods do you dislike? Mushrooms!
9. Your favorite Potato chip? Ripple with a dip.
10. What cd have you been listening to lately? Just dusted off my Walk the Line CD...love it! Reese Witherspoon rocks!
11. What kind of car do you drive? Take your pick...we have several...but I mostly drive the Pontiac Montana
12. Favorite sandwich? BLT with cheese on toasted Whole Wheat
13. What characteristics do you despise? Oh so many!
14. What are your favorite clothes? Yoga pants and t-shirts!
15. If you could go anywhere in the world on vacation, where would you go? Pretty much anywhere hot with a beach!
16. Favorite brand of clothing? Hmmmmm I guess for myself, The Gap
17. Where would you want to retire? Again...Pretty much anywhere hot with a beach!
18. Favorite time of day? 2:30 pm - when I pick up Noah at school.
19. Where were you born? Burnaby BC
20. What is your favorite sport to watch? Gymnastics
21. Who do you think will not send this back? Who knows!
22. Person you expect to send it back first? Don't know!
23. Pepsi or Coke? No pop at all!
24. Beavers or Ducks? Ummmm....should I know this?
25. Are you a morning person or night owl? Night owl!
26. Pedicure or Manicure? Uh...Both?!
27. Any new and exciting news you'd like to share? Noah just won 3rd All-Around at a gymnastics meet in Red Deer! Way to go Noah!
28. What did you want to be when you were little? A lawyer, a writer, a vet, a psychologist...
29. What is your best childhood memory? Hmmmmm. The first time I saw Grease in the theatre...and my sisters bought me satin pants for my birthday! LOL
30. Ever been toilet papering? Not that I remember!
31. Been in a car accident? Oh...just a few!
32. Favorite restaurant? I LOVE the Grizzly House in Banff!
33. Favorite flower? An assortment of Gerbera Daisies
34. Favorite ice cream? Half Baked Ben & Jerry's
35. Favorite fast food restaurant? Not really any....a bagel at Tim's if I must.
36. How many times did you fail your drivers test? Once or twice!
37. From whom did you get your last e-mail? Ugh...My computer has been on the fritz so I just downloaded 1300 messages...yikes!
38. Which store would you choose to max out your credit card? Triple Flip for Noah, Ikea for Jordan
39. Who are you most curious about their responses to this? I don't know! Quit it with the hard questions....
40. Last person you went to dinner with? My husband just tonight.
42. How many people are you sending this to? ??? - I may just post it to my blog!
43. What time did you finish this e-mail? 9:15 pm
44. Favorite magazine? People, Real Simple, Creating Keepsakes
45. If you could meet any famous person, who would it be? I like Jen's answer...Oprah! I did go to her show in Chicago though! Kewl!
46. If you could choose another first name, what would it be? I have no idea! I have never thought about it!
47. If you could change your profession right now, what would you be doing? I quite like what I am doing as it is! Lucky me....

9 days later...

So it's the 9th of January....lets see how I am doing on my 2007 goals/resolutions so far....

FRIENDS & FAMILY:
Keep in better contact with far-away family. - HMMMM...meant to send a New Years e-mail to all...didn't do it.
Make an effort to be more social. - Had lunch with a friend!
Go out on the occasional date…with DH! - Ah ha! We did go out for dinner one night and a movie on another night! Not bad, eh?!

BUSINESS/FINANCIAL:
Set goals everyday! - Hmmmm. I have made some lists but not done everything on them.
Be more flexible and open to new ideas. - I have not been presented any new ideas to be open or flexible about.
Spend more time on business than volunteering.
(that is going to be a tough one...so I'll add "or at least the same amount of time...!" ) - Oh good Lord! NOT!!! Friday I spent 9 1/2 hours volunteering, yesterday 15 1/2 hours, 12 hours today. That is total madness! I KNOW!!!

HEALTH:
Remember my Goji everyday. - YES! Score a full point for me! I love that stuff though...so it's easy!
Get back on track with fitness…at least remember to correct bad posture. - Nope and nope! However...I have been coaching gymnastics this week....That is a something at least!
Cut back on white sugar and white flour. - Hmmmm. No, not that either.
Eat out less. - I think this has been better. I have only been at Tims about 2.5 times a day.
Drink more water. - Nope. Bad girl!

HOME:
Organize my house. - Ha!
Purge junk. - Ha ha!!
Buy new furniture for living room. - Haven't even looked.
Cook more. - Um....no. That was a bad idea in the first place!
Attempt to de-clutter my life/house. - Hmmmmm...not doing too good here!

PERSONAL:
Stress less and be happy! - Maybe this would be better if people were competant.
Read more books. - No time!
Make more of an effort in my wardrobe – less jeans and t-shirts! - How about strechy yoga pants and t-shirts?
Scrapbook more pages than I did last year. - Haven't even sat at my SB desk.
Submit something...anything. - Nada.
Work on my photography skills. (Take a class or read the freakin' manual at least!) - Where is that damn camera anyway?
Try not to procrastinate too much! (However, I still believe the following statement: "If it's worth doing, it will get done eventually.") - No COMMENT!

TRAVEL:
Do more of it! - Love to...when do we leave?

The first day of my new life...

Ha Ha Ha...isn't that what everyone says on News Years Day?


Seriously though...I am planning on making some big changes in my world.

Here are some of my goals/resolutions for 2007:

FRIENDS & FAMILY:
Keep in better contact with far-away family.
Make an effort to be more social.
Go out on the occasional date…with DH!

BUSINESS/FINANCIAL:
Set goals everyday!
Be more flexible and open to new ideas.
Spend more time on business than volunteering.
(that is going to be a tough one...so I'll add "or at least the same amount of time...!" )

HEALTH:
Remember my Goji everyday.
Get back on track with fitness…at least remember to correct bad posture.
Cut back on white sugar and white flour.
Eat out less.
Drink more water.

HOME:
Organize my house. Purge junk.
Buy new furniture for living room.
Cook more.
Attempt to de-clutter my life/house.

PERSONAL:
Stress less and be happy!
Read more books.
Make more of an effort in my wardrobe – less jeans and t-shirts!
Scrapbook more pages than I did last year.
Submit something...anything.
Work on my photography skills. (Take a class or read the freakin' manual at least!)
Try not to procrastinate too much! (However, I still believe the following statement: "If it's worth doing, it will get done eventually.")

TRAVEL:
Do more of it!


I hope to add to this list as the weeks go on as I think of other goals.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Goodbye 2006 - Hello 2007!

The eve of the eve....

Tomorrow is New Years Eve.

As of this moment...10:29 pm... we have no set plans.
Nope.
Nothing.
Booooooring...I know.
Although the reality is that my life is really more busy than boring! LOL

Jordan had to work until at least midnight at BP's and Noah has been invited to at least three different sleep-overs.
My in-laws invited us over to hang out...but, well, we have done that like 5 times this week already!
I suggested to DH that we take the night and go out for a really nice dinner (if we could even get a reservation somewhere) but he really wants to do something with his brother and his wife that are here from New York.
But I really, really, really do not feel like heading out to a bar or a pub.
I would really rather stay home alone and rent a good chick flick.
How anti-social of me, I know.

So as of 10:37 pm still no plans.

Merry Ho Ho and all that!

Ah....December 26th....Christmas is over! Whew! One more holiday done!

Don't get me wrong, I used to love Christmas...I'd decorate my whole house from top to bottom, wrap every present as soon as I'd bought it...always adding special touches, I'd bake enough treats to last for months, invite friends and family over to visit, happily throw parties for the kids & their friends etc...I used to ENJOY Christmas.

This year I don't even have lights on my house! What have I turned into?

I think I can safely blame this on my husband.
He is half Bah-Hum-Bug, half Scrooge.
No further details required.

A setback...

Well...my not-so-darling son has been at it again...getting into trouble at home! I just can't understand kids who have it so good...why screw it up? I never had it as good as my son does...a roof over his head... in fact a whole basement to himself with a computer, stereo, TV, DVD player, video games etc., food in the fridge, an overflowing freezer full of both healthy and junk food, parents that care, a sister who adores, cute pets that don't judge, good friends... ( some) that are awesome, a job he enjoys and best of all... not one, but TWO 3 month exchange trips to Germany! (PLUS a whole summer of backpacking around Europe!)

Anyways...the current situation is stressful to say the least...I really thought that we were way past all this crap. I guess only I thought so.
It's pretty quiet around here because when I get mad I usually keep it in otherwise I always say things I regret.
Tomorrow Anthony and I are meeting with an AADAC counsellor to discuss the issues we are having and hopefully come up with a plan to set this kid straight. Not really what I'd like to be dong 5 days before Christmas!
Wish me luck!

And the countdown begins....

Oh boy...just 10 shopping days till Christmas Eve!

And I still am not farther ahead than I was last week. Meaning one gift bought.
Noah said to me tonight, "Mom, maybe this year Christmas should be more about the love of being together with our family than about getting presents."
Awwww! What a sweetie! And of course, it is true.

Raising my kids, I have spoiled them insanely at Christmas time. Maybe because growing up, we didn't have a lot and I overcompensate. You know how it is...buy them the things you never had....
But this year we'll do it a bit differently...much to my husband's delight, who is a big Bah Humbug!

My sister Jen had a great idea and this year instead of buying each other gifts (between the adults anyway) we are adopting some homeless/down-on-their-luck Calgarians...buying them warm winter jackets, hats, scarves, gloves, long underwear, blankets etc. My sister has already bought 20 winter jackets!
You can see some of the men and ladies stories here.
http://www.homelesspartners.com/dropincentrestories.html
http://www.homelesspartners.com/centreofhopestories.html
http://www.homelesspartners.com/boothcentrestories.html

It truly is heartbreaking...most of the stories brought tears to my eyes. You forget how easily life can change on you. I'm sure most of these people never expected a life on the streets. One man is 71 years old!

Noah and I are also planning on spending Christmas Eve day doing a bunch of baking and then we'll bring it down to the Drop-In Centre and Mustard Seed etc. on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

We are not rich (in fact, we are incredibly house poor at the moment!) but I think we need to teach our kids that even the smallest gesture will have an impact on other human life. It's easy to forget that we have a roof over our heads, a warm bed to sleep in and healthy food to eat. So I guess this is the least we can do.

A wee bit tired!

Geeeez...it's 10:30 pm and I think I may go to bed! It was a long day of dealing with stuff around the house and then gym accounting and paperwork all afternoon.
Tonight I coached Noah's competitive gymnastics group (plus three other girls) as her coach needed a sub. It was fun but draining all at the same time. I was mostly worried about them getting hurt on my watch...not a good thought with competitive season just around the corner. Most of the girls know me well anyways...and they are great kids. But you know they are trying to get away with stuff whenever they can...you know the saying..."When the cat is away, the mice will play!" You really have to be a "special" person to coach/teach/deal with some kids. My hat goes off to Noah's coach! I'd go crazy if I had to do that 6 days a week! LOL

Housecleaning...

This afternoon DH and I went to the new house to continue packing up and hauling out all of the garbage and furniture. We had a window guy come out to measure the broken glass and order the needed pieces...hopefully that will come in soon as the wind blows right through the house now! DH has already started working on patching all of the drywall damages too. It looks like it's coming along...slowly but surely...



Front of house...window in the bonus room above the garage needs to be replaced...


Back yard...it has a great deck and a pond with a waterfall...it really just needs some TLC.



Master Bathroom and bedroom...

This will be Noah's room...

Down the stairs to the main floor...

Kitchen...

Living Room....

Den...AKA My Scrapbook Room....

Dance Studio...for Noah!

Basement Bedroom....

Basement area...

These pictures don't even tell the whole story...it is really quite gross.

Once we get some more work done I will post more pictures!

Bingo hangover!?

Why is it that the morning after a bingo shift I have what feels like a killer hangover?
Now I wouldn't mind the killer headache so much if working a bingo included some martini's, but it doesn't!
I guess it must be the smoke and lack of oxygen to my brain...oh well..I only have 18 shifts to do this year! ha ha

You have got to see this picture of Taz....this was taken after I heard him rustling around in the kitty litter box....

This picture screams... "What? Who me???"

Can you see the disgusting wet kitty litter stuck to his chin? Eeeew! What a dork!

And here he is having a snooze in my clean/folded laundry....bugger...but he is so cute!

Funny how different he looks with his ears up and his ears down. Different... but still cute!

Sunday at last....

Well, a busy weekend it was!

It is now 9pm and I just finished making and eating dinner for the kids and I...pan fried chicken, rice and steamed veggies...nothing to fancy...but fast and easy! Thank goodness for M & M Meatshops! Now to get DS to do the dishes!

My pre-school coaching certification course was very interesting and I'm glad I did it...even though this past week I was dreading it! There was definitely some good info and ideas noted but boy am I ever tired...not just physically, but mentally too. I now have a year and a half to finish the practicum and portfolio...yeah...that isn't great for a semi-procrastinator like me! I need hard and fast deadlines...or else! LOL

Today was Noah's last day in her Rock-Climbing course. I hope that she does it again in the New Year...if we can fit it in her schedule. It is so good for her muscle/strength building...and fun at the same time. I have been tossing around the idea of joining an adult group...but well...we'll see.

Anthony is still over at the new house working on hauling out the garbage and starting the drywall patching. He wants me to go over there tomorrow too...but think I'd like a HASMAT suit to wear!

Anyways...I'm pooped and Amazing Race is on! Hopefully I can stay awake for it!

Busy weekend...

So here we are...Friday once again...

Why are the weekends not as exciting as they once were? LOL

My daytimer is packed with things to do...I am feeling the pressure already and I haven't even gotten out of the house yet this morning!

First things first...I need to make Noah a healthy snack for after-school/before gym...I guess one of the coaches called her fat yesterday...so needless to say, she is a little upset. And let me say that NO she is not fat...but she is not super skinny either...however, when she stands with stooped shoulders, her belly does pop out. It's mostly a posture thing. But we have been working hard on her for the past month or so, eliminating a lot of white sugar and white flour...getting more fruits, vegetables and lean protein into her. She really is looking a lot more leaner and muscular...so I think hearing that set her back a few steps. I just have to keep reminding her (and me) that she is healthy and THAT is what matters!

I've got about another hour and a half and then Noah needs to be picked up at school and taken to gymnastics, where I have a whole other to-do list of chores to keep me busy. I've also been working on a blog for the gym club...which is coming along quite nicely...but still needs some touching up.

Tomorrow Noah has her theatre group but luckily no diving class...instead we are participating in the the CityTV's Fame for Food Interfaith Food Bank Drive. In exchange for club bringing in non-perishable food items, the girls from our gym get to record a short seasonal greeting on TV. Kinda cool...however, I haven't yet figured out who is going to do the talking and what exactly we will say!

Right after that I am taking a pre-school gymnastics coaching course from 2:30 - 9:00 pm, which I have wanted to take for a very long time...but now feel stressed that it is THIS weekend when there are so many other things to do. The course continues on Sunday morning at 8:30 am...ugh...THAT is punishment! LOL Noah also has gymnastics on Sunday plus her last Rock Climbing class...and then dinner at the in-laws.

The house is calling me to get back on track sorting, purging and organizing and ultimately packing...but I really don't feel like it. I know if I put it off, it will just be worse later...but that alone isn't incentive enough.

DH is done his job as of tomorrow...which is both exciting and scary at the same time. We both need to get focused on getting the new house renovated, move there and then get to work on this house and get it on the market. Financially, carrying two mortgages for too long is not that thrilling of a prospect.

Ok - well I'd better get at it....

Possession Day!

Today we took possession of our new house. Well...sort of....we certainly are not moving in there any time soon!
We went there at 12:15 to meet the realtor and get the keys and she was there waiting for us and so was all of the crap that the old owner decided to leave behind!
What a freakin' mess!!! Clothes, toys, furniture, bedding, food, papers and junk everywhere! AND the whole place smells like crap...it doesn't help that there are dishes rotting in the dishwasher and something totally disgusting fermenting in the bathroom...ick!!!
Anyways...because of the mess we were left with, we asked for a hold back on the money being paid to her to...so that took forever to deal with through the lawyers...so we didn't actually get the keys until tonight. But we will get $2500.00 back...not that I'd clean up that pig sty for even that price!
I'm hoping that I can skip out on the cleaning out and demolition part of this reno and just show up for the decorating! he he he

Besides that...we had a busy day overall. A chiro appointment for Noah and eye exams for Jordan and myself on the other side of the city, meet with the realtor for a walk through, plus get the banking done for the gym. Then Noah's car pool called and their daughter was sick so they couldn't pick her up today...this always happens on the worst days possible! So that screwed up my afternoon plans so I just kept Jordan home from school for the whole day...much to his delight! I dropped him off at home and rushed to pick up Noah at school and head to the gym! Her coach was out sick but Noah could only train until 6pm anyways so she could get back to school. Whew...didn't we just leave there?
Noah had a Spanish Program at school tonight...where she had an acting role...as a turkey. A very cute talking turkey! She just loves her school...and really, it is such a neat place. I was pretty leery about her moving from her small and safe elementary school into a a big middle school program...but she loves it!

Ah...I think it is time for bed. I feel tired...but I'm sure as soon as I get into bed, I'll be wide awake! But I'd better force myself to get to sleep early...everyone around me is sick, sick, sick! I think it is some kind of 24 hour bug. Noah had it on Monday and was fine by Tuesday. Now 1/2 of the gym is out sick...it seems to be coming in waves. I sure hope I don't get it. I'm too busy to be sick this week!

November 25!

I guess that means it's just a month until Christmas!
Where does the time go?

I am not nearly prepared as I'd like to be. Yeah yeah....same old story!

Every year I want to make all of my Christmas Cards and mail them off to all of my friends and family early...but I never do! I usually rush around the week before and frantically mail out the most important ones and tell myself I will send more cards next year...but I never do...

Every year I tell myself that I will bake and bake and bake and have a freezer full of goodies to put out at Christmas...well, I DID bake a whole whack this year, but I already gave it all away to the bake sale at the gym. So if we want homemade goodies this year, I have to start all over again...

Every year I tell my husband that we are going to go all out and get the house decorated early and enjoy it! Not go running around looking to buy a tree three days before Christmas and then not have the energy to decorate it! I swear I have totes and totes of cool decorations and fun Christmassy things...that for the most part never see the light of day. DH thinks this is grounds for getting rid of them..."If you haven't seen them/used them for how many years...do you really need them?" etc etc...Ummm....The answer is YES!

Every year I find all kinds of cool creative things that I want to make as Christmas gifts and every year I run out of time and energy. I start bookmarking magazine pages and even round up supplies...but somehow I never get around to it all.

Every year I tell myself that I will start Christmas shopping in the summer...when the stores are not crowded and the prices not as inflated...but so far I have one gift bought...

Hmmmmm....Not a great start with Christmas morning just 4 weeks away!

Oh well...I'm going to try anyway!!!

And if it doesn't all come together this year...there is always hope for 2007! LOL

I'm a wimp!

It is sooooo bloody cold here - I can't stand it! And it isn't even officially winter here yet!!!
I hate having to warm up the car and scrape the windows, I hate wearing a big bulky coat and boots and STILL be cold, I hate the wet and mud that the animals drag in, I hate the cold drafts that are everywhere in this house...I hate it all! I definitely am not a winter girl!
I think I'd like to move somewhere a little more mild. Maybe once Noah is done school...what is that...7 more years! Ugh. Nope...I don't want to wait that long!

All about me....

My GF sent this to me...funny when you actually write stuff down you realize what a doorknob you are...IE #5! LOL


1. What time did you get up this morning? 7:15 am
2. Diamonds or pearls? Diamonds ... BIG ones!
3. What was the last film you saw at the movies? Stick It!
4. What is your favorite TV show? I'm a TV junkie...I can't pick just one favorite!
5. What did you have for breakfast? 5 Grapes
6. What is your middle name? Diane Lynne
7. What is your favorite cuisine? Italian
8. What is your favorite cocktail? A girly Martini of some sort.
9. What is your favorite chip flavor? Sour Cream & Onion
1o. What type of car do you drive? Pontiac Montana
11. What characteristics do you despise? Oh, there are too many to list!
12. Favorite item of clothing? Yoga pants
13. If you could go anywhere in the world on vacation, where would you go? Anywhere hot with a pool and a beach and a mini bar!
14. Favorite brand of clothing? No real favorites. I wear a fair bit of Gap and I like some of the clothes from Costco!
15. Where would you like to retire to? Somewhere warm with a pool and a beach!
16. Favorite time of the day? If I'm up...sunrise or sunset!
17. What was your most memorable birthday? 18th...In Mexico with a bunch of great party animals!
18. Where were you born? BC
19. Favorite sport to watch? Gymnastics!
20. Who do you least expect to send this back to you? Not sure about that one!
21. Who do you expect to send it back first? Not sure! Does it matter?
22. What fabric detergent do you use? Tide for sensitive skin.
23. Coke or Pepsi? Neither...I hate pop.
24. Are you a morning person or a night owl? Night owl always!
25. What is your shoe size? 8.5
26. Do you have any pets? 2 dogs, 1 cat, 4 birds, 1 fish.
27. Any new and exciting news you'd like to share with your family and friends? Just bought a crack-pad...I mean a new house! LOL
28. What did you want to be when you were little? Lawyer, Vet, Writer, Psychologist
29. When is your birthday? May 7th...a Taurus through and through!

**********FAVORITES****************
Shampoo? TeaTree something or other
Soap? Something with vanilla scent
Day/Night? Day
Summer/Winter? Summer
Favorite Advertisement? ??? I hate ads.

****RIGHT NOW *****************
Wearing? Yoga pants
Eating? Just finished a Large Steeped Tea - Double/Double
Thinking about? Christmas
Listening to: Nada right now. But now that I think about it I will turn on Pandora!
Met someone new? No
Cleaned your room? No...never! And you can't make me!
Drove a car? To the health food store
How many hours sleep? 5.5

**********FRIENDS AND LIFE**********
Who have you known the longest of your friends? Hmmm...that I am still talking to? Probably Leanne
When do you cry the most? Sad and/or happy movies.
Do you want your friends to do this and send it back to you? Why not!

I need a pause button!

Life is barreling along full speed ahead whether I want it to or not.

I need a break...a holiday! Somewhere....ANYWHERE warm with a beach and a pool and a waiter with non-stop cocktails....Yeah!

Things are a bit crazy in my life...nothing new. I thrive on chaos.

This past Saturday we held a fundraiser for the gym at Shanks...a local sports bar. We raised over $7500.00 through ticket sales, balloon pop sales, games, 50/50 and a great silent auction! It was a bit of work for all involved but the result was worth it!
And now next week/end we are having another big fundraiser called a Gymathon where the athletes go out and get pledges and then have to perform 10 skills 10 times and win prizes for their efforts. So I will be at the gym Monday through Sunday next week. What fun! As if I am not there enough as it is! LOL Oh and we are hosting a big Christmas Shopping Bazaar and bake sale on the 19th...OMG...when will I even have time to bake??? Oh well...the gym needs to move and therefore needs the cash to do it...so fundraising we must do! Magazines sales are up next!
The work at the gym is piling up and really needs to be dealt with but I just can't keep up. Beside the usual accounting and new winter registrations we are in the middle of looking at new spaces and leases and it is time consuming and stressful!

Our exchange student is leaving in two days so tonight we took him out for dinner...to Red Lobster...all you can eat shrimp! Yum! It will be different not having that extra person around in the house! It'll be sad to see him go but I am sure that he will make his way back to Canada again.

We take possession of the new house in 3 weeks. Once we do it will take us a while to get it back in order. Demolition to start with then new drywall, paint, trim, carpet, some windows etc...and a good professional cleaning! We went yesterday and took pictures of the inside...so I will post those once I get them off my camera. There is so much to do to get this house somewhat organized too...cleaning, sorting, purging, packing etc. Stuff I hate!

Noah is very excited as she is attending a Provincial Training Camp over the weekend...Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Lots of gymnastics in there! I hope she gets a lot out of it...she has been training at home working on building her upper body strength and finally after 2.5 years of trying she made it past the red line of the rope climb yesterday! Way to go Noah!