Wow...a whole month

An entire month has gone by and I have not had a chance to blog at all. One thing, it has been such a rainy and dreary November! We had had so much rain. I am blogging using my own netbook - yes it is pink- its my oversize PDA and fits into my purse to replace my daytimer. This was my birthday present so this means that I should begin writing my book. It was my birthday on Nov 24 and it was another birthday - lovely cake and a Chapters giftcard at work, chocolates, flowers, DQ ice-cream cake, little snow man, reed diffusers, wine, a necklace made from a domino - small but meaningful gifts - but its never about the gifts - just the thoughts and good wishes.
And my red highlights!! Chrissy had her final graduation presentation at John Casablancas last Friday evening - we were dressed as Mimes - me, Sheldon, Robyn and Heather. I will upload some photos as well. Can hardly believe that the 6 months went by so swiftly so its time to pound the pavement and find a placement. Her selected song did not work so we had another - a quick minute to walk in and for her to describe all our cuts and colours. There was a platter of fancy appetizers and cake but Darcy and I went to Vera's in Gastown for dinner.
This weekend was also the Coquitlam Art Show and the craft fair. It was such a rainy day but for an inaugural event it was a good response.
So, we head into December. We took Sheba, Speedo and Benny to have a photo with Santa at Bosley's this morning. I went shopping for Funastics items, and have a ton of laundry to do. Now that I have my little netbook, I will try and blog more.

November is here!

I can hardly believe that now October is over...and I have no idea where that month went. It's been a whirlwind and there's no other way to describe. It has been extremely busy at work and at Wings. We have a replacement for Karen, and there is going to be an adjustment period - the stress is back. I have even had to cancel out on working on the by-election day because I just have way too much on my plate. So...there's me and Helga as she-devils...actually it was a trio of us, Heather included but the photo of us three is a little too scarey to post :) This was the first time ever that I did not decorate the carport and I was not home to give out candy to all the kids at the door. We held an adult Guys and Ghouls Dance at Glen Pine which did very well, and it seems like everyone had a fun time. As always after a special event - I was extremely exhausted! We also had a time change so an extra hour of sleep was much needed since I have not been getting much lately only because I am up early automatically how and cannot get back to sleep.
Darcy has been a month at New West on his contract and still at BCSSA as well so keeping busy which is good for us all. Another month for Chrissy as well for school and then onwards we hope.
Caiti was home for Thanksgiving but that was ages ago and she may be home for Remembrance Day. Not much else really to share - such a terrible blogger I have become but what to do when there's too much work on the brain and not too much else. So...here's to November...well....maybe there's too much Farmville and Cafe World happening too but that is sheer mindless entertainment to help ease the stress of the mind!!!

October?

Goodness...again I can hardly believe that its been a month since I have written on my blog. Not a very good journal-keeper. I blame it all on my Farmville and now my new cafe ..LOL..However, why not...its mindless and it helps to unwind after such long and busy days.
What more can I say? With Karen gone, we are all coming together to keep things at Glen Pine. Oktoberfest was last Friday and it was an awesome success! I can hardly believe that we are heading into Thanksgiving next weekend already. We did attend the 40th anniverdary celebration for Port Moody Aquarians but it was a little disappointing as not everyone we wish could have been there attended - too bad as it could have been a little more fun but the visiting we did with the friends who attended was wonderful.
Wings is also back in full swing and so its a little crazy...but crazier yet now as we get used to the new schedule of Darcy working on a 6 month contract with the City of New West....a good thing as it will help us patch up a few holes and help us try and stay afloat. There is no doubt that the global recession continues to have impact on a great many families still. We are also counting down to Chrissy completing and getting her Hair Art Design diploma from John Casablancas. Her car is also dead but then the timing was good as she is on transit anyway.
The chill does feel like its in the air. I actually do like this time of the year and finds that the Fall does seem to also fly by and then its my birthday and Christmas before we know it.
What else...really not too much hence the reason why blogging hasn't been happening frequently maybe? I always have every intention keeping up...

September is the new January?

I can hardly believe that I have not written in my blog since mid-August. Well, obviously not much to report.
Darcy and I spent 3 days at BCSSA Provincials in Abbotsford. We stayed at the Best Western and commuted to the pool bright and early each morning. I volunteered at the Member Services all weekend long. Highlights was a visit by Brent Hayden and then the Olympic mascots. It was nice to get away...but this is it. Darcy is now retired as the SF Regional Director. He did make a last minute decision to allow his name to stand for Provincial Treasurer but in the end the entire Lower Mainland was not enough since the Kootenays and the Okanagan have so many clubs that it came down to that. The tough thing thing is that there no representation on the Provincial board except for Cindi who lives down on the Lower Mainland to keep an eye on operations at the main office!!!
Other news...well Karen at work made her decision to move on so for the next little while I am doing alot of work at Glen Pine thank goodness with Joanne's assistance until things are figured out by the powers that be. As we head back into Fall programs etc...all I can say is VERY busy plus with Wings starting up again for a new season tomorrow!!!

Caiti, James and Zara were home for the long weekend...they left this morning. Chrissy is on her reading/work experience break so she will be around for a couple of weeks. Just think that come end of November she will have graduated from her program. So far she has done fashion show and one photo shoot and another one slated for the end of the month!
Darcy has been working on some contracts and a current BCSSA project that will hopefully wrap up soon. He has had a couple of interviews and but expected the slowdown in the process over the summer... the consulting assignments work in the interim albeit full of uncertainty.

So, here we are into September...chance to change things around and move forward as always!!!

Horrifying day!

There's is nothing worst than being broken into - such a feeling of violation! Glen Pine is our home away from home and imagine our shock and dismay to come to work in the morning to find that some idiots bashed a rock shattering the glass doors at 5:30 a.m. amidst the blaring alarms to steal our TV! There was glass everywhere and the dust from the glass particles during clean up was causing us and our seniors to cough. How devastating to find the TV that was in our main area gone!

We knew it was coming..just last Wednesday, Jeannie and I were very concerned and worried about 2 men with hoodies snooping around. In fact, at some point the remote for the TV went missing and somehow they must have had access in to lossen the bolts and everything that secure the TV down. Anyway...what can we do??

All the seniors who came in today were totally unhappy and mortified that we were robbed!!! Many members come to enjoy watching TV in the hub area!

This brought back memories of when we were robbed of our jewellry back home in PJ...it is such an awful feeling to think that there are despicable people out there who can come in and cause such havoc.
No idea when we will replace the TV and how we can keep it safe...somehow you wonder if the thieves will return because they have seen what other items they can take from us. With so much glass, it would be easy access - if a rock can smash safety and secured glass to smithereens...what a traumatic day for us!

24th Anniversary yesterday!

Yesterday, August 3rd was our 24 wedding anniversary...it was a very quiet day. We really didn't have any plans at all. It has been a very rough ride in the past 5 years or so and we have yet to find out a even course but I hope we do as we head into our 25th.Here we are many years ago. Many times we wish we could go back and do things differently but there's no going back, only forwards.

So we ended up going to sushi town for lunch - we enjoy eating together thats for sure. Came home and watched Masterpiece Theatre Mystery we had taped on the PVR and had an afternoon snooze - thanks goodness its so much cooler now.

We took Benny with us when we had to pick up Chrissy and Sheldon from the ferry terminal. He quite enjoyed himself getting to go on a car ride. Sheldon had lacrosse provincials in Victoria and his team won the gold medal so he was quite pleased with the outcome. His team go to Edmonton for Nationals in a couple of weeks.

We did make out amazing discovery though. The big tree with the red leaves in front of our house actually is fruit-bearing. Darcy was washing the deck upstairs and discovered the fruit. Then we saw tons of it hanging all over. Guess the warm weather and proper pollination. We have been oblivious all these years though Rhonda claimed we have always had fruit. We tasted and they are more plum-like than cherry-like in texture and taste.

Way too hot!

All I have to say that this is way too hot and humid for me and we are in for a week of a heat wave! Last night I totally enjoyed the thunder and lightening storm last night.
Darcy has taken Sheba up to the lake...he will be bringing Speedo home at the end of the week. He did get 3 days of work on a contract so that was great but then the car needed the brakes done so it was in and then out again.
Since my last posting...its mainly the weather. We had great weather on the 17th for the summer carnival with Tony Prophet. Last weekend, Darcy and I went for a little outing to Steveston.
I have been focusing on work and wings registration and not much else. Helga had us over for a very lovely evening party with wine and a special dinner called Raclet (I think) where we cooked on little mini-fry pans. It is also Joanne's 50th on July 30 so we had a birthday party for her as well. I will put more photos on my facebook album.

Last weekend Chrissy also did foils and highlighted my hair to get rid of all the greyness and she did such an awesome job. I am so glad that she can do that for me now. She has had clients at school and albeit nervous it is all part of the training experience.
A short week ahead as we head into the BC Day long weekend.

July already!

I can hardly believe that I have not written on my blog for so many weeks!
To catch up...well, Canada Day has come and gone. We spent a weekend at the Golden Spike Swim meet to volunteer with the Port Moody Aquarians just for old times' sake. It was fun in a way. I did leave earlier on the Saturday because I had a Cantonese Opera Concert at Glen Pine to oversee that night.

The Cantonese Opera night was a success - the Great Room was packed with over 100 people and it was like being in a Hong Kong variety show. Hot water...I cannot believe how much hot water jeannie, heather and I were pouring out. It was fun because we had helga with us too cutting and plating the wraps and making the fruit tarts.
Darcy and Speedo left for the lake on Canada Day to get Caiti settled in as she was starting her Grand Forks hospital stint. Guess there are some big projects to get done as well.
Chrissy and I spent the week on our own.
On Thursday, it was my turn to get my hair done so Chrissy could get some marks for cutting and styling during friends and family week.It was actually fun going downtown and getting the full salon treatment. I posted my pics on facebook in an album called Hair by Christina. First I had a shampoo, cut and a straight style and then it was on to the the Farrah Fawcett curls which were very nicely done! This photo of the curls before they were styled out. Those curling irons are amazing that she owns. Her entire bag of tools travel with her and so she can do hair anywhere. She has alrwady made an offer to volunteer her time and services next grad to any girls unable to afford to get their hair done in the morning of grad with Ms. Tsui if it is required.

Then this week, I was also found by my Grade 6 friends...and it brought back a flood of memories that had remained dormant for 34 years. The old class photo made me smile and it was such a thrill. So, today, the sunshine is back and I have a summer sizzle Hawaiian Luau dance tonight to run at Glen Pine so its working tonight.

Nice spell of good weather

This is a 3 day weekend for me because next week I work Tuesday to Saturday so I still have one more day to go...I would really like to try and tidy up my living room but it is the week for the Wings Year end and I have so many little items to take care of. At the moment things are chaotic on the dining room table and we have not quite got a handle on Chrissy's school stuff and its simply everywhere!This weekend...On Saturday, Darcy and I attended Heather's Dad's Celebration of Life at Burquitlam...it seems that I have attended so many services there over the years. We met up with Helga and Roy, Jeannie and Nancy...Rita and Gerry were two members who attended. It was a beautiful commemoration of his life with a powerpoint slide show, music from several grandchildren, and wonderful spoken words of his life. We really wanted to be there for Heather as it has been such a long haul for her - caring for him, fulfilling his wish to die in his own home...every sister pitched in to give him love and care to the end. The saddest and yet most wonderful was he lived until the day of his 53rd wedding anniversary to his greatest love and then he said goodbye...so many times people say how loved ones hang on until a special time they wish to stay for and then after they feel they can leave. We did not stay for the reception as that means more to the immediate family and the older people who appreciate the refreshments.
We went home and had a quiet evening just the two of us as Chrissy went after her first day at Salon Gloss to see some friends downtown. For now she will work at the salon on Saturdays as reception, floor sweeper and slowly as her skills grow she may move on to working on actual clients.
Today, we headed out to the Burnaby Barracudas swim meet...it was so unreal small...as it was all wrapped up and packed away by 1:00 p.m which was usually the end of heats in the old days.

Since we were out that way, we stopped at Hop On Farm then we decided to try the Singaporean/Malaysian restaurant out in Surrey that my seniors from home have been bringing me the flyer for and asking every week if I have gone there to "makan" yet. So today, we went.

It is all the way in Surrey on 120 Street. Darcy and I shared:

Mee goreng with shrimp, nasi lemak and an order of roti prata with chicken curry. It was pretty good...sambal not spicy enough but the flavours were authentic and it was all home cooked as we met the lady cooking. The price was $8 for each item. The thing is I think that I can pretty much cook as well as any restaurant because now all the ingredients are so readily available almost everywhere in any asian grocery store. But it is always a treat to go for a drive and a bite to eat since we are hardly doing anything like that anymore. Chrissy would probably not enjoy as much since they have no laksa or char koay teow on the menu.
Tonight, we had roasted chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy for Chrissy after her full day at Bosleys - she did request that as she hauled herself to job #3 amidst going to school fulltime. She is a little stressed but we hope it all works for her.

I have to show off my first glamorous hair do...a head of curls. Darcy has also allowed her to do a trim as well. She moves onto colouring in week 3 coming up so I am waiting to have my roots touched up soon!
Anyway...I wish that I had more profound thoughts but I don't. I have been recording all the books I have been reading on Visual Bookshelf on Facebook...love doing that...but I have been reading such trash lately because all I can handle is the mindless fluff...but today Iread book #50 this year. It is so nice having access to lots and lots of books at Glen Pine - and yes, I will soon try to get some more high brow, more intelligent books into the list. For now...let me read Nora Roberts and Debbie Macomber....

Sunday evening wrap

The weekend comes to a close...Chrissy starts week 2!
On Friday after being picked up at work we ran out to the PoCo Costco. Darcy had done some testing for the City of Burnaby and while Kin's we got a call that he has an interview on Thursday so we will keep our fingers crossed.
On Saturday, we were up bright and early to visit at the Coquitlam Sharks meet -it is the first meet in the region to go cardless and albeit a few kinks it got off and running. Chrissy had a interview of sorts at Salon Gloss and she starts there next Saturday as gopher - good for her as she wants to be in that environment for experience purposes. She met us at Spani Pool so that we could head out to Metrotown for some shopping - she needed some new items to wear to school.
The weather was much cooler this weekend. Today, Darcy made some chili and his mango-avocado salad and we headed out to Maple Ridge for dinner and a visit with Rene and Terry. We had not seen each other for ages. Terry like Darcy on an enforced break from the work world due to circumstances of the recession so they had lots of talking to do. Ally and Brad were over for dinner as well. Chrissy came from work with Benny in tow who tried so hard to play with Daniel. We waited until Nicki got home from work for dessert. She was then off to meet with Nick to see a movie. It was nice to visit with old friends and to catch up on things. Passing the message along as well for the PMA 40th Anniversary party on August 15.
So...home now and with a little bit of a sore back...another week ahead in the ratrace!

Chrissy's First Day of School

What a beautiful day to embark on a new adventure! Today was Chrissy's first day of school. On the weekend, her co-workers at Bosleys presented her with a bouquet of flowers to wish her luck on her path. She will work a casual shift on the weekends and more once she settles into her schedule.

So, due to the fact that I worked on Saturday as a sous chef/Lemon Tree Kitchen caterer I was able to accompany Chrissy to her first day.
On Saturday, Glen Pine catered the Firefighters Long Service Medal presentations at City Hall. I actually enjoy very much working in the kitchen, just like being on the Food Network. Darcy also volunteered to assist as we had to transport all the dishes and everything over to City Hall. Luckily we were prepared because out of the blue the firefighters came and told us that they were early and could they have the food an hour in advance...arrggh...we had to scramble to get the hot food. So we had Thai garlic prawns, teriyaki meatballs, mini-bagel cream cheeses and smoked salmon with lemon, dill and capers. We did prosciuotto wrapped boccacini cheese with basil and grape tomatoes, olives in genoese salami, pita chips and spinach dip,fruit platters and amazing baked goodies dessrt trays. After the event we were exhausted so it was very nice to be able to sit on Shannon and Cal's deck for margaritas in the evening - the first summer-like social activity that we have done!
So that was Saturday...on Sunday it was a home day for laundry and tasks around the house though at the state of the dining room table - well, I did read an entire Debbie Macomber book on the couch!
So this brings us to Chrissy's first day at school. We started out with Dim Sum at the Floata in Chinatown not too far away from her school. Here I am having my fave fave chicken feet! It was actually very yummy dim sum and not expensive at all. Apparently the restaurant opens at 7:30 a.m. for this delightful Chinese breakfast!

After this, we proceede to her school right in the heart of Gastown. John Casablancas is right across from the Gastown Steam clock on the corner of Water and Cambie street.

We went to check in and to make sure that all the paperwork was fine for her student loans etc. She was all good to go. Because we were early we had some time to wander around and to see the station where she can either take the skytrain on the Westcoast Express home each day.So, we wish her all the best and trust that she will enjoy the next 6 months of extensive hands-on experience in this area. Tomorrow she brings home her suitcase full of her tools.
Darcy is making his own slurpees in the blender with Dr. Pepper pop and ice cubes. It is such a warm day out there. I have two intertwined clematis vines and the early one has many blossoms.

Sunny Weekend for Sheldon's Grad

It has been a beautiful sunny weekend...just a year ago it was Chrissy's grad and this year we did it again for Sheldon. After debating back and forth, the spectacular pink dress made its second appearance, and it actually looked just as stunning and fit so well..so many inches taken off this year. This year, the hair was blonde and not dark. It was a far more relaxed affair. We drove them to Glenayre to meet up with Sheldon's friends and their limo but we did not stick around as Sheldon's Dad was there to take photos. The food was apparently not as good at the hotel and the aftergrad event according to Chrissy different from last year. Sheldon did not win anything...they were restricted number of tickets to enter for prizes. I was planning on going out at 11:00 p.m. but I think too much sun sitting on a sundeck gave me a terrible migraine by 10:00 p.m and an upset stomach (probably from the gin & tonics - we were invited to stop by with all the Wings girls to see Jill - hard to believe the Jiggs is a grad now). So I did not get to volunteer with Joanne for the aftergrad this year. Just seem to not have the stamina to fight the headaches and the tiredness nowaways.
What a sunny and warm May weekend. We did start out by having Fish & Chips at Pajos at Rocky Point Park on Friday after work as we had time to kill before picking Chrissy up from her nail appointment since Sheldon had her car at work. There is something very summer-like about having fish & chips in the park. Does that look yummy? A little too greasy for me but luckily we don't do this too often. On Saturday, it was low-key grad stuff and today it was staying in the shade and trying to get rid of the headache for going back to work tomorrow. I had brought work home to do but I think I will have to do it tomorrow. We took the dogs over to the off-leash park and Ben-ben had a mud-party by the water tap area. It is such a shame that the weekend does go by so quickly especially when I am so stressed and could use more down time. Jot sent some photos from Mum's 70th birthday party. I am posting a photo of her birthday cake as I have never ever seen a cake so colourful and so awesome...I wish I could taste it and have a cake like that at my big birthday. It looks like layered jello with goldfish on it...I don't know why I just love the look of it so much. I hope it tasted as good as it looks.
Still plugging on as always...hoping for a change in fortune and a change in stress level...soon...always ever optimistic!

Victoria Day Long Weekend

Worked half a day on Friday...Caiti came home for the weekend but on the way just going into Merritt her car dies. Still not sure what is wrong with it. BCAA towed it back to Kelowna to the Honda dealership for her to figure out. Chrissy took the day off so they picked me up and we decided to go across to Bellingham just because we finally got our passports. It was a sunny and warm afternoon...imagine our amazement that it was 10 mins across the border...even less coming home in the evening. We stopped for ice-cream at Edaleen as we always do. The girls had some shopping to do...we just tagged along for the ride.

On Saturday, we ran errands....so not too much excitement. Caiti was out with Danie and then with Tulsi. Chrissy was at work. On Sunday, it was a home day for laundry and some quiet time. Caiti and Darcy took the dogs out to the Barnet Marine park.
Today...the showers have returned. Chrissy is off work...we went over to Lougheed Mall to so she could return a sweater at H & M, then we wandered around Wal-Mart a little. I am now going to enjoy the rest of the long weekend with a new book to read. I have a beautiful bouquet of Lilacs from Shannon to enjoy. If I had a garden I would grow as many varities of Lilacs as I could and love it. The season is way too short for them too which is the only bad thing.

Happy Mother's Day!

Ice-cream cake from Chrissy and candles from Caiti - 2 of my very favourite things in life.
It was a very different Mother's day...Chrissy was up and then off to work. Darcy was sleeping in as he had worked 4 days of the Advanced polls. I spent the morning just puttering around. Chrissy took Ben-Ben to work so after lunch we went by and picked him up. We took all three dogs to the off-leash park. Rocky Point Park was busy as Carole James was campaigning in Port Moody. We dropped the dogs home and then went down to the farms on Marine Park. I bought some basket stuffers for my little garden and Darcy some herbs for the deck. We wandered around Mandeville for a little while as well.
For dinner, my choice was for Barbecued Salmon and Caesar salad. Because we went to the farms we also had Greek salad. We made mashed potatoes/yam and it was delicious. We spent the evening talking to Caiti on the phone and then watching Amazing Race finale and then Survivor on the PVR. Happy Mother's Day to all!!

Happy Birthday to Popo!

May 1st is Mum's birthday...I had hoped to surprise her with a visit for her this momentous milestone 70th birthday. However with our family situation it just couldn't work out. Anyway, Jot organized a chinese birthday banquet and I will find means to cover the cost of $888 ringgit to cover one table. We sent her flowers and a birthday balloon and she called to say how happy she was to receive it.

Here is the photo from the website...I hoped it looked like this. She called Chrissy to say that she had a great party and enjoyed herself. Today was a peaceful day at work...we will have a changed environment for a week so we will look forward to that very much. The weather has been fabulous and sunny...apparently we are in for a change tomorrow with showers coming back. Today is also little Ben-ben's birthday. The poor little puppy has had a bad bowel for a few days but it has not slowed him down. He is still as hyper as can be. He is a year old and this year has gone by so swiftly.
Today I made spicy Kway Teow now I feel my tummy feeling the heat.
I am glad it is the weekend and hope to relax a little since my lousy pain has returned in full force. I have a couple of books that I need to finish reading and a great many more waiting for me.

Start to the last week in April

Well...Caiti was home for a visit this weekend. She drove home on Friday afternoon. It was a very lovely sunny weekend. I wasn't feeling that great with my dreadful pain bothering me. On Friday evening, Caiti and I went to Sharon's Partylite candle party which was fun. I got to pick my own Mother's Day present from all the lovely selections. On Saturday, Caiti went out to hang out with Danie and Kirky out at UBC, after work Chrissy headed downtown as she was off work on Sunday and going to the "Beauty and Hair Show" at BC Place Stadium with Jon's girlfriend, Katja. Over the last little while she has been back to comtemplating a career in make-up artistry and Hair Design. She is talking to people in the field and trying to decide where the best place to train would be. I think she is suited to this skill as she has always loved hair and I would enjoy having my hair done for free on a regular basis!! She can be a colour specialist and I will never have to cringe at getting my highlights done!
On Saturday evening we were home alone. I had a ticket to go to the CCAC 15th year reunion party at the Sports Lounge but I was not really feeling that well so we stayed home and I read on the couch as I always seem to be doing of late...not complaining because I love all the books that I have to choose from.
On Sunday, we drove out to meet Caiti who had stayed over night and was having breakfast at the Watermark down in Kits with her friends, these will always be her friends for life and they swear that girl guides has formed a bond that will always keep them friends forever...they are all turning out to be phenomenal young women....a nurse, an engineer and a learned philosopher of sorts!
Today, was an EDO day for me...or rather another visit to the eye specialist for yet another set of tests. Caiti accompanied me this time before she headed home to Kelowna. This afternoon, Darcy fixed my planter box so now it will be good for another season. I planted it and so have included the start of the season photo. I have been late the past few years so wanted to make sure that I got going this year. Since its rather shady at the front of the house, my best choice has been impatiens in this window box, and not the mixed plants that I have attempted in the past. I will slowly work on my other pots as finances permit or if I get plants given to me.
So its back to work tomorrow. May 1 is coming up soon and its Mum's birthday. Jot called and we will help pay for one of her party banquet tables even though I had hoped that I could have gone home for this celebration but we are still yet to be back on track! Soon I hope...soon.

Pretty tree and Spring flowers

This is the tree in front of our house...I love it when its pretty but when the little flowers start blowing off and making a mess in the carport...arghh...or when the rains come then it's all ruined. In the fall, the red leaves from this tree also get tracked in.

Yet, I think its a pretty tree...I love this time of the year with all the blossoms, all the magnolias and the dogwood flowers.
We do love to have fresh flowers at work too...this is what we have currently at the front desk. I think that flowers makes everything so cheerful and its nice to have them on the tables for special events and even in the Lemon Tree Cafe.

I cannot wait until the lilacs come into bloom and hope that I can find a bunch of them to enjoy the fragrance and the colour.

I do love the warmer temperature and the fact that it is still light in the evenings.

Tired Sunday

Just me watching Jon and Kate. Darcy is sleeping in, the dogs are all snoring away. Chrissy has gone to work so just me at home. This was not really a short week with Monday off. Last night we had the Spring Fling dance at Glen Pine. We were fearful that we would not get enough bodies to attend but we did...85 people came out for a fun night of music, dancing and good drinks. We did a good bar service offering a Spring Fling Seabreeze Cocktail as the special for $4.00. As always, deadly exhausted at the end of the night running up and down. Lots of glasses and mugs...side plates from the veggies/dip and fruit,dessert trays. These dances are working out quite well for us.
Not sure what we are doing this day. In the last two weeks, we have had to replace the dishwasher, washer and dryer...always knew these items would have to be replaced eventually so we sort of anticipated this...Darcy has been doing all the laundry because he loves the front loaders. I am sure I will not miss those old appliances one bit.
Its a little cloudy and feels chilly out there today so I don't mind having a home day.

Happy 21st Birthday Caiti!

Today is Caiti's birthday...21 years old.
Darcy made breakfast...we even went to the grocery store and back and she was still sleeping in.

Her request for a full turkey dinner...so I was making stuffing, peeling potatoes and prepping the turkey to get into the oven by 3pm. It was a delicious feast.




The gravy was apparently the best I ever made. Everyone had loaded plates...of course we were soon enough stuffed and feeling quite comatose on the couch.We always have a DQ ice cream cake...that is our family tradition.We waited for dinner to digest a little so that we could have dessert since Caiti and James were headed out to UBC to visit with Danie and Kirky. So Caiti is now 21 and heading into the final stretch of university and her RN degree.
Last night we went into VGH to visit Gary who was recuperating from surgery. Caiti was impressed with the hospital and all the equipment. We went to Tanpopo on Denman for late night sushi as was Caiti's wish. I have eaten way too much and feel so chubby!! Tomorrow I plan to eat very light and then enjoy another 2 days of the long weekend.

Start of the long weekend

I so need this break...Caiti is home for her 21st birthday and Easter. James arrived today with Zara so we are back to 4 dogs in the house for a few days.
I am so exhausted...beyond tired actually. Crazy at work...chaos at home.
Finally....a new dishwasher...the Bosch kicked the bucket and it was had washing for a couple of weeks. Darcy has 3 good leads so all we pray for is an offer. Our washer and dryer is next to go on the blink so hoping we get back on track soon.
Anyway...just a note to start the weekend off...so so tired....

Here at last...

Sunshine and warmth...is this a sign that Spring is here at last as we head into the Easter long weekend coming up? I love having all the windows wide open and the fresh air circulating. Caiti is headed home on Tuesday...it is her 21st birthday on April 11. I am envious of Heather taking this week off before her special out of town visit.

I had every intention of attempting major Spring clean up....but I so needed to relax a lot more. Our Bosch dishwasher is dead...so its been a week of dishes the old fashion way. We finally went to Sears and got a really good dishwasher on a great Spring sale so that will be delivered on Thursday.
Jeannie did a splended job with our Easter display at Glen Pine....
For the next year we are going to have a special table display for all special holidays and celebrations. We did an awesome Nooroz display for Persian New Year.

April 1 Fool that I am....

How can I not post on this day....snow...now that was a real laugh...actually it was very pretty!
Today I spent a full day at a First Aid Training. Every 2 years I do that so that I always have an up to date ticket...so yes I am trained to do CPR, supposedly can save a life and handle most emergency situations. Actually I do feel quite confident and working in a community centre you have to be prepared for anything. I have dealt with 911 situations several times over the last 10 years in capacity working in the field of recreation.
No matter what it is a very long day...up and down the floor working through the different scenarios. At the end, you write a 30 minute exam and then its done.
However, your brains are a little fried and you are just exhausted from information overload.
It's April...already...

Sunny Sunday

A sunny sunday...would have been a good day to take the dogs out for a walk except that Darcy's crippling gout has flared up so that translated into a 2 hour wait at the walk-in clinic to get his prescription refilled and then who-knows-why but another hour at the drug store right next door getting it filled. So why does it take 3 hours for such a simple medical visit? Anyway, he has now taken the medication and of course it knocks him out, makes his stomach go crazy.
While I was waiting I meandered over to the Value Village and came out with 5 brand new books...now I know where those $20+ books can be found for $3.99 each. I got a couple of Oprah's book club selections, and a couple of my favourite historical books and one that seems interesting entitled "Angry housewives eat bon-bons"....sounds a deperate housewives sort of a novel...I like reading brand new authors and their first books...inspires me for when I write my debut piece of fiction.
Anyway, I had planned to try and tidy up my front little patch of garden but its Sunday and I am no longer motivated to do anything but read my latest book. The Junos will tape at 5pm on the PVR and then will watch it later by winging through all the ads.

Back to the eyes

Another EDO day off and another visit to the eye specialist in my never-ending saga of glaucoma or not. This time I had to have the thickness of my cornea measured and the ocular pressure taken again and the second specialist looking over the results from my last visual field test that flagged a deeper look into the issue. I am back again on my next EDO day for some photos to be taken of the insides of my eyes.
What a week it has been and I never get a chance to blog during the week.
Monday brought a shocker...over the weekend after an Elvis Pub Night, thank goodness after the event and no one was hurt, our very expensive piano which is never to be moved in or out the Great Room at Glen Pine was moved and it fell backwards, crashed and broke. It made two holes in the wall on the right of the stage. Well, piano is busted and it need to be fixed or replaced..all I am thinking..thank goodness not when we were a host venue for the water's edge festival! So that was that...
It has continued to be very stressful with the environment at work...Helga looks so beaten-down with the issues we have on hand. Not much that we can do but stay out of the line of fire and try not to be a civilian casualty because that is what it seems to be until the siutation has a resolution.
Darcy has had a few opportunities but nothing solid as yet. Chrissy is happy that her full-time schedule is now day shifts so she does not work late evening closings which means she can head to her gym after work and be home for dinner.
So...its a very chilly afternoon and I feel like making a cup of tea, settle in with a mindless book and maybe have a snooze even though I have household chores to do.

Spring is here?

My brother Terry some photos of Henry on his facebook. This is the one I love of Henry with my Mum and Dad from our last visit home when my Jot got married. I called home on Friday night and spoke to Mum, Terry and Jot very briefly. Mum was busy cooking before Jot's trip to Adelaide. I really wish I could go home but this has been postponed again until we are back on track. It's mum's 70th birthday on May 1, and I had planned a trip to surprise her but it's not likely to happen unless something miraculous happens for us in the next while soon. Caiti is planning to go upon her graduation, and Chrissy wants to go with her.
This is the first weekend of Spring, and of course, the kids go back to school and it became sunny just in time for that. Darcy and I took the dogs to the park yesterday and then we treated ourselves to sushitown for lunch since we have not done that for a long time. When we get back on track, we will be so much more careful and less wasterful and extravagant, not that we were that way before; however, tough times makes you make more conscious choices about money and spending.
Today...catch up on laundry day. Chrissy has a full day recertification for First Aid, so Sheldon is covering her shift at work.

Our dog Henry

We are saddened by the news of our family dog Henry who has gone to a happier place. Henry is a golden lab and he lived for 16 years. He was a good boy. I remember the first visit when he was a young dog and the girls were very little and they adored Henry. He didn't seem to mind that Chrissy tried to ride him like a pony...and Caiti would kiss him.
I only started liking dogs because Henry was such a wonderful friend. He has been a companion for Poh-poh and kung-kung, and they will sorely miss him.
With 3 dogs...we definitely will love Sheba, Speedo and Benjamin even though Ben-Ben is the naughtiest puppy in the world.

Bye Henry...probably prancing around in Doggie Heaven somewhere...without a doubt he is in no pain now!!!

Happy St. Patrick's Day

To be Irish for one day...well. I look like Kermit the frog all in green. I will post a photo (maybe) after I download it. I wore this headband with two giant shamrocks sticking out of my head and it squeezed my brains all day!
Well..,it was a crazy busy day...got to work, tried to fit in programming a few more bus trips. Then at 10:30 a.m. we had a Hats Day intergenerational activity where gramma's brought their grandkids in to decorate hats. Well, it reminded of the time when Kari worked for me at Pinetree running a craft program. Jennie was my senior volunteer running the activity. It went very well. We have 12 kids, and we had juice and cookies after. I truly believe in these intergenerational interactions.
Right at 11:30 I had to spring into action...kick out the line dancers and help Darrell set up for our St. Pat's luncheon. We are such an awesome team...tables, chairs, tablecloths all whipped on in no time. So it was Irish stew, a green biscuit, a green chocolate cheesecake or potato and leek soup and sandwich. We had an entertainer come in at 12:30 and for the next 1.5 hours he sang all the songs the seniors loved. It was a good afternoon...
However, work is very tense and stressful now ... not for me in terms of my job but some interpersonal conflicts with others in our team is starting to spill over and affecting us bystanders. I dislike drama and its very uncomfortable to be in the midst and know its best to neutral as best as possible. I still love my job but with this economic downturn we have to be very wary of taxpayers money and so we are now having to try and underspend our budgets by at least 5%. Working with the Bus trip committee is one of my key liaisons...well, I pay all the bills and bus trips are the focus of registrations days and probably one of the most popular offerings...and we have to cut back.
Spring Break...with no kids in school its just another week but it means No Wings tonight...I realized that late this afternoon..that this week I will work only tomorrow night instead of 3 nights in a row.
So...Happy St. Patrick's Day to all...I have never had green beer or Irish food...someday I would like to go to a real Irish celebration. So the blog will be green for the rest of this week!!

Barbie turns 50!

Barbie dolls..don't know why I am blogging about this...guess its because I watched a CBC Sunday story on Barbie's 50th birthday! Did you love paying with Barbies as a child? How many did you own?
The next time I go home, I am going to buy myself a Malaysian Barbie. I think they have her in the traditional costume. I also wouldn't mind the Chinese Princess Barbie.
Thoughts? You had to play with Barbie with friends...she was not as much fun to play with on your own except for dressing and undressing. Certainly she was great for the imagination. More than anything else she allowed girls to dream...over the decades Barbie has also grown and changed the role of women. So with International Women's Day today...March 8...why not also celebrate Barbie.

Water's Edge Festival

Today I had to work because Glen Pine was a venue for the Water's Edge Festival - 25 hours non stop 'round the clock festival of contemporary music performed indoors and out, a part of the 2010 Cultural Olympiad.
I stayed until 5:30 p.m. waiting for the choral risers to arrive yesterday and was back at work before 8:00 a.m. I was a little horrified to see a work crew installing speed bumps in our parking lot but thank goodness they promised me they would be be done by 9:00 a.m.
I helped Brad set out all the chairs, got the wireless microphone working and then the piano tuner arrived, and poor guy had to work under such last minute pressure. We also had Food Services come in to set up our bistro for baked goodies, refreshments and we even did sandwiches and a hot dog special. The first concert was at 10:00 a.m with the adult choir and they were outstanding...especially enjoyed their last set - Mamma Mia movie songs. It was so good. The second show at 11:00 a.m was Saxe Noir, a quartet of saxophonists, and they were superbly excellent. I have come to the realization that the acoustics in the Great Room is wonderful. The last show at Noon were the youngest choir singers from Coastal Music...and they were so cute and sang like angels. They sang the Hymn to Freedom that was also performed by a children's choir at Obama's inauguration. All our performances at Glen Pine were absolutely free to the community. I was very pleased to have been asked to be part of the festival, and they were so kind with their thank yous at the end of the shows for me. These special events are exhausting...as I sit here my feet ache. You almost run on adrenaline....up and down the stairs, talking to people, showing people around...lifting and moving, fixing...but its all part of my role.
I enjoyed seeing the members come out to enjoy the free music...I am a total supporter of arts and culture.
Yesterday too, I coordinated a Purim special luncheon with the Jewish ladies volunteering to make the mish-mash soup. I tried gefilte fish and hamantaschen cookies and matzo crackers etc. We had some musicians, a pianist, a violinist, an opera singers and a soloist perform music for this celebration. They even sang some beautiful Hebrew songs. I believe its important in a multicultural community to support and respect all other holidays...food and music is the easiest way to share...hence we have received a New Horizons grant for Glen Pine whereby we are implementing a new project entitled TEACH (Teaching, Eating, Activities, Culture, Health) and I am very excited about the programs and ideas that I can help put together to achieve our goals and objectives.
Very weird weather again...woke up to snow...and its chilly...just a little.
This week...strange and stressful at the same time. Still nothing for Darcy as yet...its a little depressing because we need to really be more frugal more than ever and we have been very tight. I need to go and lie down for now...it was a very busy but a satisfying day knowing everything went well with the event.

March - a good start?

February was a terible month for blogging. Anyway, its March so here's to the coming of Spring.
Yesterday we did a small road trip across the border. Darcy had to pick up a battery for the cellphone that he had shipped to the mailbox. Sheldon came with us. Chrissy wanted to come along since she was off and the fact that until this point, Sheldon had never been across the border because he was never allowed to due to his parents' divorce but now he can on his own accord. We stopped for the best ice-cream at Edaleen Dairy as always. With no extra money we only came to get a few groceries that we knew were good buys. Chrissy and Sheldon did a little shopping...Chrissy thrilled to use her own VISA card that she has acquired. It has given her a good sense of responsibility to start working on her own credit rating as someday she will plan to move out. We were home by early evening.
Today...worked on the Wings March invoices and deposit...Darcy is out with the dogs. We found a turkey in the freezer that we are going to cook since we are doing our best to eat up what we have. Doing laundry and all the usual chores to be done on the weekend. Time is so limited working two jobs, working 3 nights a week and having to contend with a great deal of stress and insomnia again. Shannon sent me a message envying me the time to read...its not so much free time but time that I am faced with because I am not able to unwind and have been looking for something that can bring me down to a state of calm. I am fortunate to be a very quick reader and the hope is that reading will bring on sleep and rest. So far, not working too great so the more books I read is just an indication of how much time I don't sleep. Luckily, I have access to some great free books so no costs involved plus I love reading so hopefully it will all work out. Such a dilemma...when things were going well, I barely picked up a book.
As always its another new month and hopefully a better month with some good news. This global recession is really going to impact us in a hard way...Darcy is back to school so he needs to hit the assignments in between his search. Caiti is still tired from the effects of mono but is back to work. The commute to Vernon twice a week is tiring. She did get her personal line of credit approved so that stress of school tuition and rent etc will be alleviated but she has been good at taking care of all her needs herself thus far. Chrissy is also saving quite nicely, and feels that she may have enough to go back to school in the near future being determined to also cover all her costs herself. She is not too fond of the club or the bar scene having gone out legally a few times over the last month and not really enjoying it very much.
Well...laundry needs to go into the dryer...

A day off

Well, a day off to go to an eye specialist appointment. Because I work an extra 25 minutes each day, I get one flex day off each month...it works out well for appointments and stuff like that. I was up bright and early to see the eye doctor in New Westminster. It was a very strange test that I took to check on the status of health of my optic nerve. My eye pressure has not gone down so its another test on my next EDO day off on March 27. All the eye drops they put it makes your vision totally blurry and you almost feel nauseous for a few hours.
I was in search of an old movie to show the seniors next week that suprisingly I did not own...Steel Magnolias. So I have been wanting to check out the Wal-Mart Supercentre at Grandview that used to be the Costco. It was huge but it was not half as impressive as the supercentre in White Rock...and I did not find my movie there. I didn't find it at the Superstore a block away either. We decided to go for lunch as a treat since we haven't been able to afford that and then I found the movie at Rogers bundled with Sleepless in Seattle which means I will have to show that movie too at work.
Came home and just decided that I needed to rest on the couch. I was supposed to go to Sharon's birthday dinner party tonight at a Chinese restaurant and then over for dessert after but I am going to take a raincheck and stay home. I must still be fighting something because I am feeling a little run down...had the worst high blood pressure check this week that I have had in a long time. Darcy has an interview on Monday and had had a few calls, so its picked up a little since the long drawn out nothingness in December and January. I so wanted to and needed to win the 43 million dollar lottery jackpot...like millions of others in Canada!
Anyway...back to my book....

Where did February go?

I cannot believe that we are heading into the last week of February and I have not had a chance to blog..shows you how incredibly crazy my life has been. In this time...Chinese New Year came and went with no celebration at all, Valentine's Day came and went with working hosting a wonderful dance and evening for others to enjoy...and then now its the end of the month.
No news to really speak off...Caiti and James brought their new puppy Zara for a visit...she was a little scary being some form of a pitbull I think...she is sweet enough but she loved playing with Ben so much that sometimes she got a little carried away. Caiti came home to recuperate from a bout of mono. Darcy dropped her off in Kelowna on his way to see his parents in Trail for this weekend. Christina has been sick all week but still hauling herself around to half days at work.
Finally got a chance to pop over and see Kari for a little while after her surgery...its tough even trying to fit something like that in between work and wings. Back to working those 3 nights in a row after a full day already at work and its taking a huge toll on me.
So, its Sunday and the streak of sunny weather has ended with the rains returning...I don't mind as today I want to catch up on some laundry and then watch a few things off the PVR and read the book I started a few weeks back.
I am still hoping for the best and that we will soon be back on track because I am not sure how much more and how much longer I can hold my stress to a reasonable level. Bllod pressure is back up high and having a terrible time skipping meals and missing walks. Darcy is back on the CGA program to complete his designation so at least he has a focus to concentrate on.
Ok...off to find a cup of tea.....

Walk for Memories and Chinese New Year's Eve

Today was a beautiful day full of sunshine. It was chilly but it was refreshing and crisp. Darcy was attending the BSCCA Provincial Board meeting. Sheldon droves us down to the office for 11:00 a.m. so that we could meet up with Darcy. So we then drove down to meet up with everyone at the Stanley Park Pavilion. The first smiling and laughing person we met was Dennis Yoshioka who used to be with the Burnaby Barracudas. He was volunteering with the Alzheimer's Society. We heard that he may have been diagnosed with early stages. He was his usual jovial self. Darcy waited with Benny outside while Chrissy and I went in to register. We met up with everyone else with the Team Francine sign that Trish had made. It was an awesome turnout and you could not have had a nicer day for a 5km walk. I posted some photos on my facebook. On the global news at 6:00 p.m. it was so nice to see Sharon's Dad with the Team Francine sign and a chance to speak a little about her and the disease. There was even a shot of Darcy's big face and Chrissy's eyes in the frame in one of the walkby shots of the walk. It was great because on the PVR we could rewind and pause and watch this in slo-mo.
After the walk, we went for a Chinese New Year Eve family dinner at the On Lok Restaurant on East Hastings. We have not been to that place in years...as always...the food well...let's say...MSG thirst has set in now. The food was plentiful and it was the way Chinese New Year's Eve dinners should be...noisy, crazy, spilled tea and a nice way to end a very sad but yet wonderful day.
Now...time to lie on the couch...call home in a few minutes...I rolled my ankle on the walk...not badly as I could still walk but its a little inflamed at the moment.

President Obama

I wanted to make sure that I blogged on this day. I blew up red, white and blue balloons at work and we had an inauguration party in front of the TV at work today.

I think that today was historic...no matter how we put it today was insiprational and it was powerful and it was motivating. The challenges ahead are huge for President Obama...the expectations placed on him are enormous. Change will take time and I hope that he will persevere and I trust that he will get the support that he seeks from the people of America, from us the canadian neighbours and globally. He is human and he is far from being perfect but his integrity and his intelligence will serve him well. He has so many so-called things against him...immigrant father, middle class family, melting pot of family from Kenya, Indonesia ...I even found out that his half-sister's husband in a Malaysian-Chinese who grew up in Burlington, Ontario. He has worked hard, he has made his own way...he doesn't deny abusing drugs, alcohol in his younger days. He is just another man like all others...there is really nothing special except that his demeanour fills us with awe. These are tough times...there is no doubt...the economic downturn has huge impact and affects my own family daily. And his wife and his children..life in the white house will be an experience. Michelle Obama is a clever cookie herself...but I like how she chose to be different..fashion critics I hope are not harsh on her...she was unique in her non-partisan outfit and yes the bling might be a little gaudy but I love bling and I think on such a special day she should bling all she wants! The girls were dressed like all other girls in their best...there was nothing designer about them.
Yes...today was awsome and I wish I could have spent the whole day watching it on TV so I guess I am just thankful I watched him take the oath and give his speech.
The world is watching you President Obama...do your very best...fulfil the dreams, hopes and aspirations of your nation...they are counting on you.

Birthday and anniversary week

This was such a busy week...and I really needed to be banned from work yesterday...thank you Helga for knowing when I needed to really take a break. How to recap the past week?

Well, Helga found out on Saturday night that her mum in Germany had passed away...it was expected but when was the critical question. She won't be leaving until next week but it certainly through a wrench into things. However, having over 250 people coming to Glen Pine's 1st anniversary helped take her mind off things.
Yes, we celebrated Glen Pine's anniversary on Wednesday and the event went off extremely well. We were a little worked off our feet but all the VIPs and the members certainly enjoyed the afternoon of small speeches, presentations, great appetizers that were served to them at the table, coffee and awesome cake and also entertainment...so it was quite the party. That was a long day for me because I got to work at 8:00 a.m. and did not leave until 9:45 p.m. that evening. On this day too it was Chrissy's 19th birthday. We went upstairs bright and early to wake her before I left for work or else I would not see her until the end of the day. Turning 19 she was going to sign herself to join a new gym so we put together a work-out gear gift for her, and she also got a replacement tire from her pothole incident. She had a nice day home a little with Darcy, a day off work, then out for dinner with Sheldon and Jon, and then at the end of the evening on my way we stopped off to see her and Jon (and guess who shows up Luis) at the St. James Well and we had a drink with her. She received a few special gifts to celebrate this milestone birthday and she appreciated very much for their significance.

On Friday, it was Darcy's turn to celebrate his birthday...not yet a milestone birthday so it was very low key in light of our plight. I was banned from Glen Pine so I took advantage of a birthday gift certificate that I had received from all the wonderful people at work and we went out to Sushi Garden across the street from Metrotown for lunch. It was actually very good sushi, fresh, a nice portion so YUMMY! We didn't do much else but stop off and get the delayed birthday cake from DQ. We spent the afternoon watching a PBS version of Tess of the D'ubervilles that we had taped on the PVR (still have part 2 to go)...simply love the HD KCTS channel but then I am a sucker for public television so people can tease me all I want but masterpiece theatre rocks! After work for Chrissy we had her and Darcy's combined roast beef family dinner and Sheldon and Jon were over to enjoy that...Caiti was missing her favourite family dinner...but she had called Darcy earlier in the day and we got her update that she is enjoying working on the pediatric ward, and that for a month she will need to commute to Vernon Hospital. She is in the process of trying to secure herself a student loan just to cover the last year and a half she has since we are in no position to help out too much but just needing help with the last year and a half is good for a student since many need much more loan assistance than that...she has done well getting herself through nursing and with a job hopefully lined up upon graduation she will be able to work and save a little before she goes back to do her masters as she plans to do in nursing.
So...such was the week. It is actually sunny out this Saturday so we have a few errands to run and then free time for the rest of this weekend.

The week back at work

Ok...it was actually very good to be back at work...because I love my work and where I work. Seeing all the warm friendly faces and receiving all the "Happy New Year" wishes was certainly wonderful. It was nice to log back into into the computer there and I didn't even mind drilling down the cognos report to investigate why was I underspent on my bus trip budget...underspent and not over for once and even then I had to explain why! The only negative thing is we have some issues and some tension around us and not being able to write much more without having to get into a long drawn out soap opera....needless to say we have strife, and being by-standers caught in the middle is stressful especially when both sides are trying to draw you into the kerfuffle...there are two of us who are in the same boat who have found solace in our common plight.
Time to wrap my head around March/April and beyond for programs at Glen Pine. I want to find a Bollywood instructor...someone who can bring the bollywood music, teach some basic moves and just have a fun class. So if anyone has any connections, let me know.
On Wednesday, Jan 14 (also Chrissy's 19th b-day) we have our Glen Pine First Anniversary event...so we have gone full tilt planning and getting all the last minute details organized. New Mayor and Council and over 200 members coming out to celebrate with food and drink. Special events just run us off our feet...and it will be exhausting. Will write about it once its all over.
The rains came this week and has washed the snow but not all...what's left...giant potholes and that Chrissy and I had the misfortune to experience which has left her tire busted and a visit to Cal for help. It is still wet and slushy not matter where you are. More rains tonight and some glimmer of sun maybe on the weekend.
I am glad its Friday though...recap of the week complete I am home to lie on the couch and watch TV.

Another stormy evening

What a mess it is out there! Will the snow/slush ever stop? This is what real winter is like for the rest of Canada so we should just suck it up I guess! Darcy has the dogs out at the off-leash while waiting to pick Chrissy up from work at 6:00 p.m. and he just called to say it is utterly miserable outside...which means wet happy puppies traipsing through the house when they return. That little Bennie will be one drowned little rat!
I really didn't accomplish much today on my last day of vacation. Did some laundry, watched Kyle Kwong's My China marathon on the Food Network(how I love that TV channel!), then watched an action movie with Darcy. Boring but nice when the weather is so crummy.
Tomorrow, I really have to get on track with journalling my points and getting some more exercise in as I really fell off the wagon so badly in the past few months. With my potential glaucoma issue and my high blood pressure, I really need to get tested for diabetes but I am dreading doing so...I am convinced its inevitably going to get me if that makes any sense.
Anyway...off to check on dinner...imagine...burgers not cooked on the BBQ but in the frying pan...that means even Darcy has given it to the winter weather!

Francine's Celebration of Life

Of all days to snow...but it was extremely picturesque as we drove into Vancouver to attend the services for Sharon's mum Francine. We arrived around 1:30 p.m. and already the snow had been falling steadily so the side street by the church was quite covered....still unplowed with remnants of the previous snow falls. We arrived at the same time as Mimi and Patrick so it was nice to be seated with the "school clique" since we have gotten to know them all so well over the years. The Florians and the Murray's were seated closer to the family at the front of this beautiful Our Lady of Sorrows church on South Slocan. The church was still decked out with the Christmas trees and the poinsettias...very classy with white lights and the votive candles all lit.

Two days before her death, Francine requested that she be baptized, and Tino explained to us later during the reception how that can take place without even a priest present upon one's deathbed so that one's soul may go to God via a Catholic Memorial Mass. For Sharon, this was her mother's wish so it needed to be respected and carried forth and she was relieved that alot of the preparations were taken care of by her brother. Tino's sister Rosamaria being the Principal of the parish school enabled all of this to take place at such short notice. The service began with Chantelle singing "Amazing Grace" as the family entered and were seated in their pew. This was a shortened Catholic funeral mass and only lasted for just over an hour. Sean and Andre did a reading each - when you see all the cousins together you see how strongly they resemble each other. Chantelle and Ashley read the Prayer of the Faithful. Following the service, we went up and paid our respects to the family. This was very meaningful as it gave us a chance to extend our condolences even though I had already seen Sharon, her dad and Kim prior to this.
The Celebration of Life was in an adjoning hall down the way and it was so snowy getting across the way. The kids had done so much scanning/research and they presented an incredibly beautiful powerpoint tribute to their grandmother. Ashley and Sean took turns speaking, giving her Francine's biography and then they turned it over to the computer...opening with
"The Prayer" (love this song) and photo after photo we went through the 40s, 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s as her life unfolded infront of us. The clothes, the hairstyles, the family as it grew, the friends, the life with her smiling face in the centre of each and every image. There was not a dry eye in the house...it was a phenomenal presentation that can be copied and saved for posterity.
The food that was catered was awesome...it would have made Francine so happy because she was the Queen of Parties, good food and wine, Sharon has followed in her footsteps. I had a couple of glasses of wine, one with Sharon at our table and we ended up staying until 6:00 p.m. with the usual crowd. It is too bad that sometimes it takes a sad occasion to see people that we should see more often like Sue/Mario, Tim/Tara, Trish/John from our Trivia fun...and Lisa/Greg. There was just so much food, incredible Italian deli style salads, meats, cheeses, and I didn't even get to desserts seeing how I am supposed to be back on track with my WW points.
It has been a big day for the Burke family and they have yet to have this all sink in, I think that they will congregate at the family home and regroup tonight. Karen is here for a week so the family can take advantage of being together (minus the Australian cousins) and find comfort now that this day is over. Tino had me aside again and he says that if he feels Sharon needs me, he will find a way of letting me know...I was very touched and the emotion caught me...I will always be there for anyone whenever and if ever they need me.
When you attend a funeral service or I would rather it be called a celebration of life...it makes you think and wonder about your own mortality and you question what in your life there is to celebrate...and how your passing will be recognized by your family and friends. At our table, we jokingly talked about what a mess our photo collections are and how would anyone find anything to put together as a presentation and what the heck would they say about us in our deaths. Perhaps, we need to start a file folder and start placing in photos that we wish to have people see because heaven forbid if a chubby one goes up there of me stuffing my face with Purdy's chocolates goes up!!!
Does your family intuitively know you so well that they can put together your life? I wonder when I go if from my vantage point I can look down and hear and see everything they are saying...or will it even matter? Will my family know that I love light pink roses and not hot pink ones? And if I should go when the Lilacs are in bloom I want bunches and bunches of Lilacs all around?
We are heading into a time now when we will be visiting death more...aging parents, parents of friends, and illness/disease striking when least expected. I don't often think of death but perhaps I need to ponder upon the concept more.
The snow continues to fall this Saturday evening...my last weekend before its back to work....I am ready to go back now and let 2009 unfold...and I pray that our life moves into a positive direction and let 2008 fall to the wayside. It was our 44th (bad luck!) year and now that I am 45 it can only get better.